* A run chart is the simplest of charts. It is a single line plotting some value over time. A run chart can help you spot upward and downward trends and it can show you a general picture of a process.
* A control chart also plots a single line of data over time. However, control charts include upper and lower control limit lines with a centerline. These lines are calculated based on the data being plotted, and this allows you to answer more questions about the process. For example, you can ask the question, “Is my process stable or in control?” If any of your data is outside the limit lines, the answer is, “No. Your process is not stable.” You would then know that system changes may be required to make it stable.
Both run charts and control charts are helpful, but depending on your goals, control charts generally provide more specific information and insight into your process.
