ESDU 98004 provides graphically a wide range of comparative thermal performance data (effectiveness-NTU and maximum effectiveness) for crossflow (including serpentine), shell-and-tube and plate-type exchanger geometries, extracted from the extensive data collection in ESDU 98005, to assist in the choice of feasible types for a required duty. The thermal performance of particular configurations in family groups can be compared using the extracted data (which also indicated that some configurations were equivalent in performance within the limitations of the method thus minimising the data collection in ESDU 98005). The suitability of particular configurations for a duty can be predicted by assessing from the graphs the maximum effectiveness they can achieve whatever their size. The assumptions of the method are discussed and the key features and particular assumptions relating to each family group are described. The comparative data are provided for single- and multi-pass crossflow configurations, single- and multi-pass E- and J-shells, trains of E- and J-shells, single F-, G- and X-shells, and single-pass plate-type geometries. ESDU 98003 introduces the method while its use is illustrated in design studies in ESDU 98006. Analytical techniques used to derive the data are described in ESDU 98007.