Polar Chart Examples In Excel 2017

Introduction

Excel is a powerful tool that offers a wide range of options for data visualization. One of the chart types available in Excel is the polar chart, also known as a radar chart. This type of chart is useful for displaying data that has multiple variables or dimensions. In this article, we will explore some examples of polar charts in Excel 2017 and how they can be used to effectively present data.

Example 1: Sales Performance

In this example, let’s say we want to compare the sales performance of three different products over a period of six months. We can create a polar chart to visualize the sales performance of each product on different dimensions such as price, quality, and customer satisfaction. This will allow us to easily identify which product is performing well in each dimension.

Example 2: Market Share

Another example where a polar chart can be useful is when we want to visualize the market share of different companies in a particular industry. By plotting the market share of each company on different dimensions such as product range, price, and customer service, we can easily see which companies are leading in each dimension and how they compare to each other overall.

Example 3: Employee Performance

A polar chart can also be used to evaluate employee performance in different areas such as productivity, communication skills, and teamwork. By plotting the performance of each employee on these dimensions, we can identify areas where they excel and areas where they need improvement. This can be a valuable tool for performance evaluations and identifying training needs.

Example 4: Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is an important metric for any business. By using a polar chart, we can visualize the satisfaction levels of customers on different dimensions such as product quality, customer service, and delivery speed. This can help us identify areas where we are performing well and areas where we need to improve in order to enhance customer satisfaction.

Example 5: Project Management

When managing a project, it is important to keep track of different variables such as budget, timeline, and resource allocation. A polar chart can be used to visualize the progress of a project on these dimensions, allowing us to easily identify any areas where the project is falling behind or where resources need to be reallocated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I create a polar chart in Excel 2017?

To create a polar chart in Excel 2017, you can follow these steps:

1. Select the data you want to include in the chart
2. Go to the “Insert” tab and click on the “Recommended Charts” button
3. Select “All Charts” from the left sidebar and then choose “Radar” from the chart options
4. Click on the “OK” button to insert the chart into your worksheet

Q2: Can I customize the appearance of a polar chart?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of a polar chart in Excel 2017. You can change the colors, fonts, and styles of the chart elements such as the axes, data points, and labels. You can also add a title and a legend to the chart to make it more informative and visually appealing.

Q3: Can I add more dimensions to a polar chart?

By default, a polar chart in Excel 2017 has one dimension represented by the angle of the data points. However, you can add more dimensions by adding additional series to the chart. Each series can represent a different dimension, allowing you to compare multiple variables on the same chart.

Q4: Can I use a polar chart to compare data from different categories?

Yes, you can use a polar chart to compare data from different categories. Each category can be represented by a different line or area on the chart, making it easy to see how the variables compare across different categories.

Q5: Can I use a polar chart to display negative values?

No, a polar chart in Excel 2017 is designed to display positive values only. If you have negative values in your data, you may need to use a different chart type such as a bar chart or a line chart.

Conclusion

Polar charts in Excel 2017 are a powerful tool for visualizing data that has multiple variables or dimensions. They can be used in various scenarios such as sales performance analysis, market share comparison, employee evaluations, customer satisfaction assessment, and project management. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create and customize polar charts in Excel 2017 to effectively present your data.

Tags

polar chart, excel 2017, data visualization, radar chart, sales performance, market share, employee performance, customer satisfaction, project management, FAQ