Waterfall Chart Template Excel 2018: A Comprehensive Guide

Waterfall charts are a powerful tool in data analysis, allowing users to visualize the cumulative effect of positive and negative values over a period of time. Excel 2018 offers a range of templates that make it easy to create professional-looking waterfall charts for various purposes. In this article, we will explore the different types of waterfall chart templates available in Excel 2018 and provide some tips on how to use them effectively.

Types of Waterfall Chart Templates

1. Basic Waterfall Chart Template: This template is ideal for simple data analysis and includes the essential features needed to create a waterfall chart. It allows users to input their data and customize the chart’s appearance.

2. Stacked Waterfall Chart Template: This template is useful when you want to compare multiple data sets side by side. It allows users to stack the bars representing different data sets, making it easier to compare their cumulative effects.

3. Gantt Waterfall Chart Template: This template combines the features of a Gantt chart and a waterfall chart. It is ideal for tracking project progress over time and visualizing the impact of different tasks on the overall timeline.

4. Bridge Waterfall Chart Template: This template is commonly used in financial analysis to show the changes in a company’s financial position over a period of time. It allows users to compare the starting and ending values of different financial components, such as revenue, expenses, and net income.

5. Waterfall Chart Template with Target Line: This template includes a target line that helps users compare their actual data to a desired target. It is useful for goal tracking and performance analysis, allowing users to identify gaps between the target and actual values.

Tips for Using Waterfall Chart Templates

1. Provide Clear Labels: Make sure to label each bar in the waterfall chart to provide context and make it easier for readers to understand the data. Use descriptive labels that accurately represent the values being displayed.

2. Use Colors Effectively: Choose a color scheme that helps highlight the positive and negative values in the chart. Use contrasting colors to differentiate between the bars and make the chart visually appealing.

3. Customize Axis Labels: Adjust the axis labels to accurately represent the data being displayed. Include units of measurement if applicable and make sure the axis labels are easy to read.

4. Add Data Labels: Consider adding data labels to the bars in the waterfall chart to provide additional information. This can help readers understand the values more easily and make the chart more informative.

5. Format the Chart: Customize the appearance of the waterfall chart to make it visually appealing and professional. Adjust the font size, style, and color to match your overall presentation or report.

Sample Waterfall Chart Templates

1. Sales Performance Waterfall Chart: This template allows users to track sales performance over a period of time, showing the impact of different factors such as new customers, lost customers, and promotional campaigns.

2. Project Cost Breakdown Waterfall Chart: This template helps users analyze the cost breakdown of a project, showing the impact of different expenses such as labor, materials, and overhead costs.

3. Revenue Analysis Waterfall Chart: This template is useful for analyzing revenue trends and understanding the impact of different revenue streams on the overall financial performance of a business.

4. Employee Performance Evaluation Waterfall Chart: This template allows users to evaluate employee performance by tracking different performance indicators such as sales targets, customer satisfaction, and productivity.

5. Budget Variance Waterfall Chart: This template helps users analyze budget variances by comparing the planned budget to the actual expenses incurred. It shows the impact of different factors such as cost overruns and savings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I create a waterfall chart in Excel 2018?

To create a waterfall chart in Excel 2018, you can use the built-in templates or create one from scratch using the charting tools. Simply input your data, select the waterfall chart template that suits your needs, and customize it as desired.

2. Can I customize the appearance of the waterfall chart?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of the waterfall chart by adjusting the colors, font styles, axis labels, and other formatting options. Excel 2018 offers a range of customization features to help you create a visually appealing chart.

3. Can I add data labels to the bars in the waterfall chart?

Yes, you can add data labels to the bars in the waterfall chart to provide additional information. This can be useful for clarity and to make the chart more informative.

4. Can I compare multiple data sets in a waterfall chart?

Yes, you can compare multiple data sets in a waterfall chart by using the stacked waterfall chart template. This allows you to display the cumulative effects of different data sets side by side for easy comparison.

5. Can I create a waterfall chart with a target line in Excel 2018?

Yes, Excel 2018 offers a template that includes a target line in the waterfall chart. This can help you compare your actual data to a desired target and identify any gaps.

6. Can I use a waterfall chart for financial analysis?

Yes, waterfall charts are commonly used in financial analysis to analyze changes in a company’s financial position over time. They can help you compare the starting and ending values of different financial components and understand the impact of various factors.

7. Can I export the waterfall chart to other formats?

Yes, you can export the waterfall chart to other formats such as PDF or image files. Simply use the export or save options available in Excel 2018 to save the chart in your desired format.

8. Are there any limitations to using waterfall chart templates in Excel 2018?

While Excel 2018 offers a range of waterfall chart templates, there may be limitations in terms of customization options or specific chart types. However, with the available customization features, you can still create professional-looking and informative waterfall charts for your data analysis needs.

9. Can I use a waterfall chart for non-numerical data?

Waterfall charts are primarily designed for numerical data analysis. However, you can still use them to visualize non-numerical data by assigning numerical values to represent the desired impact or effect.

10. Where can I find additional resources for using waterfall chart templates in Excel 2018?

You can find additional resources, tutorials, and guides on using waterfall chart templates in Excel 2018 on various online platforms, Excel forums, or official Microsoft documentation. These resources can help you enhance your skills and make the most out of the available templates and features.

Tags:

waterfall chart, Excel 2018, data analysis, templates, tips, tutorial, review, FAQ, charts, visualization, financial analysis, project management, performance evaluation, revenue analysis