Charts and Visualization - Tell Stories with Data

Chart Types

Column/Bar Charts:
- Compare values across categories
- Good for: Sales by region, Budget vs Actual

Line Charts:
- Show trends over time
- Good for: Monthly sales, Stock prices

Pie Charts:
- Show parts of a whole
- Good for: Market share, Budget allocation

Scatter Charts:
- Show relationship between variables
- Good for: Correlation analysis

Area Charts:
- Show cumulative trends
- Good for: Revenue composition

Creating Charts

Steps:
1. Select data range (including headers)
2. Insert tab → Chart type
3. Choose specific chart
4. Customize (Optional):
   - Change title
   - Adjust axis labels
   - Modify colors
   - Add data labels
5. Place on worksheet

Chart Elements

Title:
- Clear, descriptive heading
- "Sales by Region - 2025"

Axis Labels:
- X-axis: Categories or time
- Y-axis: Values being measured
- Include units: ($, %, units)

Legend:
- Shows what colors/patterns mean
- Position: Right, Bottom, Top, Left

Data Labels:
- Show exact values on chart
- Add % for pie charts

Formatting Charts

Colors:
- Use consistent color scheme
- High contrast for readability
- Avoid excessive colors

Design:
- Keep simple and clean
- Remove unnecessary gridlines
- Use appropriate chart type

Fonts:
- Readable font size (min 10pt)
- Bold for emphasis
- Consistent throughout

Dashboard Creation

Combine multiple charts for insights.

Components:
- Key metrics (large, prominent)
- Trend charts (showing changes)
- Comparison charts (side by side)
- Summary tables (supporting data)

Best Practices:
- Logical flow (top-left to bottom-right)
- Consistent color scheme
- Clear titles and labels
- Interactive filters where possible

Sparklines

Mini charts within cells.

Create Sparkline:
1. Select cell for chart
2. Insert tab → Sparklines
3. Choose type: Line, Column, Win/Loss
4. Select data range

Uses:
- Quick trend visibility
- Space-efficient
- Good for dashboards

Data Visualization Tips

Choose Right Chart:
- 1-2 series → Column/Bar
- Many series → Line
- Parts of whole → Pie/Donut
- Relationship → Scatter
- Trends → Line/Area

Colors:
- 3-5 colors max
- High contrast
- Color-blind friendly
- Match brand (if applicable)

Labels:
- All axes labeled
- Units clear
- Meaningful title
- No abbreviations (unless explained)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ✗ Too many different chart types
• ✗ 3D effects (harder to read)
• ✗ Pie charts with >5 slices
• ✗ Dual axis without clear indication
• ✗ Unnecessary decorative elements
• ✓ Simple and professional
• ✓ Tells clear story
• ✓ Easy to understand at a glance