Excel is a versatile tool that provides a wide range of features and possibilities. Among them, a Waterfall chart, also known as a bridge chart, Mario chart, or a flying bricks chart, is a form of data visualization that illustrates how an initial value is increased and decreased by a series of intermediate values, leading to a final value. These charts are quite useful in various fields like Inventory Management, Financial Analysis, and Performance Analysis. Now, let’s explore how to create a waterfall chart in Excel.
Setting Up Your Data
The first step to create a Waterfall chart is to set up your data. The most common layout includes an “Item” column and a “Value” column. The “Item” column should contain the labels for each bar, and the “Value” column should contain the values for each bar.
Creating a Waterfall Chart
Once you have your data set up, you can start creating your waterfall chart. Here’s how:
- Select the data range you want to chart.
- Go to the “Insert” tab in the Excel Ribbon.
- In the “Charts” group, click on the “Waterfall” icon.
- Click “OK” in the dialog box that appears.
And there you have it, your very own waterfall chart in Excel!
Customizing Your Waterfall Chart
Excel also allows you to customize your waterfall chart in various ways.
- Change the Color of the Bars : You can easily change the color of the bars in your waterfall chart. Simply click on the bar and then choose a color from the “Format” tab.
- Add Data Labels : To make your chart easier to understand, you can add data labels. Right-click on a bar and choose “Add Data Labels”.
- Format the Axis : You can format the axis to better fit your data. Right-click on the axis and choose “Format Axis”.
Conclusion
Waterfall charts are a fantastic way to visualize data in Excel. They allow you to easily see the cumulative effect of sequential data, making it easier to understand and interpret. By following these simple steps, you can create your own waterfall chart and customize it to fit your needs.