• Home
  • Install
    • ChartExpo for Google Sheets
    • ChartExpo for Microsoft Excel
    • ChartExpo for Power BI
  • Charts
    • Chart type
      • Box and Whisker Plot
      • Clustered Bar Chart
      • Clustered Column Chart
      • Comparison Bar Chart
      • Control Chart
      • CSAT Score Bar Chart
      • CSAT Score Survey Chart
      • Dot Plot Chart
      • Double Bar Graph
      • Funnel Chart
      • Gauge Chart
      • Likert Scale Chart
      • Matrix Chart
      • Multi Axis Line Chart
      • Overlapping Bar Chart
      • Pareto Chart
      • Radar Chart
      • Radial Bar Chart
      • Sankey Diagram
      • Scatter Plot Chart
      • Slope Chart
      • Sunburst Chart
      • Tornado Chart
      • Waterfall Chart
      • Word Cloud
    • Chart category
      • Bar Charts
      • Circle Graphs
      • Column Charts
      • Combo Charts
      • Comparison Charts
      • Line Graphs
      • PPC Charts
      • Sentiment Analysis Charts
      • Survey Charts
  • Gallery
  • Videos
  • Pricing
  • Contact Us
  • FAQs
  • Blog

Get a reward

Categories
All Data Visualizations Data Analytics Data Stories
Add-ons
  • Google Sheets
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Power BI
All Data Visualizations Data Analytics
Data Stories
  • Healthcare
Add-ons
  • Google Sheets
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Power BI

We use cookies

This website uses cookies to provide better user experience and user's session management.
By continuing visiting this website you consent the use of these cookies.

Ok

ChartExpo Survey



Home > Blog > Data Visualization > Add-ons > Microsoft Excel >

How to Create Different Types of Charts to Represent Data?

Exploring insights from raw and bulky data is tedious and exhausting.

The visualization designs can help you distill business data into meaningful insights. And this can save tons of hours, which you can use to relax or execute other tasks.

different types of charts to represent data

You can use a wider range of charts and graphs to create compelling data stories.

Why stories?

Stories are a powerful tool in today’s business landscape. We’re accustomed to engaging with stories. More so, stories are easier to remember than numbers and texts.

Imagine you’re running two marketing campaigns.

One is focused on the specifications of a product. On the other hand, the other campaign highlights how a customer’s life has improved due to a product.

The latter is likely to be an easy winner.

So, where does data come in?

Data can help you determine the stories relevant to your target audience.

In this blog you will learn:

Table of Content:

  1. What is a Chart?
  2. Importance of Charts for Data Analysis
  3. Top 5 Key Types of Charts and their Uses in Data Storytelling
  4. How to Create a Chart for Data Analysis in Excel?
  5. Wrap Up

Before delving into the blog’s core, we’ll address the following question: what is a chart?

What is a Chart?

A chart is a visual diagram you can use to display relationships, patterns, trends, and outliers in your data.

The key objective of a chart is to display predictive or real-time insights into your data.

Most businesses increasingly leverage data using charts and graphs as backdrops for their data stories.

It could be a graph displaying the progress your team has already made in a project. Or sales performance of your sales reps in the 2nd quarter of a financial year

Charts make raw datasets much easier to read and interpret.

If working with data is part of your job description, you’ll probably agree with this.

If you’re not busy slicing and dicing raw data sets, you’re probably busy trying to put together a compelling data story for key stakeholders, such as investors or management.

Storytelling requires skill.

You need a combination of the right visualization charts and stories to communicate insights into data sets. And this is where most of us get it wrong.

For instance, you either have too much data to come to any conclusion. Or the resulting insights are misaligned with your objectives.

In the coming section, we’ll take you through the importance of charts for data analysis.

Importance of Charts for Data Analysis

  • Convey Final Insights Faster

You’ll agree that not everyone shares the love for the data.

If you present raw data sets in tables, the audience you’re trying to influence will probably miscomprehend  you.

Why?

As we said, data on its own it’s not appealing emotionally.

However, with storytelling, the impact is instant.

A data story using charts and graphs can help your audience understand the insights and probably buy into your recommendations.

Data storytelling infuses emotions into the raw numbers. You can create emotionally appealing content by assigning meaning and context to numbers.

Develop a habit of using stories and visual content because most people crave insights that solve their problems.

Data stories can help soften the people you’re trying to reach, positioning you as a trusted resource.

To stand out from the pack, use data stories.

Raw numbers and random charts in PowerPoint slides are unlikely to move needles on today’s business landscape.

On the other hand, stories can help you persuade your target audience. Remember, emotions come first, and ration/logic follows suit.

Seek to appeal to the emotions before going rational.

This is how the world works.

Data analysis using charts is probably the easiest way to get your stories for everyone to consume. You probably have unique data that no other business has access to. This implies you can tell a data narrative that no one else can tell in your market.

Some of the charts we recommend to try when creating data stories include:

  • Likert Scale Chart
  • Sunburst Chart
  • Tornado Chart
  • Comparison Bar Chart
  • Sankey Chart
  • Tracking Patterns and Trend Over Time

One of the common uses of charts is to highlight changes between two or more key variables in your data.

You can easily know whether your business profits are taking a nose dive or growing rapidly.

In the coming section, we’ll cover 5 key types of charts and their uses in data storytelling.

Top 5 Key Types of Charts and their Uses in Data Storytelling

  • Likert Scale Chart

A Likert Scale Chart is a survey-friendly visualization with a psychometric scale.

The chart can help you to understand the views and perspectives of your target market

The chart comes in different types, such as a 10-point Likert Scale Chart, to help collect in-depth insights.

The chart is well-suited to display insights into qualitative data (opinions and sentiments) by categorically assigning value.

The Likert Scale Chart is based on the rationale that survey responses can be measured on a psychometric scale ranging from a complete agreement to a complete disagreement.

Check out the survey responses below. How easy is it to extract meaningful insights into the table?

Questions Scale Responses
How much satisfied are you with the product descriptions? 1 205
How much satisfied are you with the product descriptions? 2 214
How much satisfied are you with the product descriptions? 3 150
How much satisfied are you with the product descriptions? 4 375
How much satisfied are you with the product descriptions? 5 927
How much satisfied are you with the product descriptions? 6 790
How much satisfied are you with the product descriptions? 7 996
How much satisfied are you with the ease of website navigation? 1 118
How much satisfied are you with the ease of website navigation? 2 116
How much satisfied are you with the ease of website navigation? 3 122
How much satisfied are you with the ease of website navigation? 4 433
How much satisfied are you with the ease of website navigation? 5 864
How much satisfied are you with the ease of website navigation? 6 720
How much satisfied are you with the ease of website navigation? 7 959
How much satisfied are you with the quality of our product? 1 184
How much satisfied are you with the quality of our product? 2 144
How much satisfied are you with the quality of our product? 3 160
How much satisfied are you with the quality of our product? 4 322
How much satisfied are you with the quality of our product? 5 620
How much satisfied are you with the quality of our product? 6 793
How much satisfied are you with the quality of our product? 7 916
How much satisfied are you with our delivery service? 1 158
How much satisfied are you with our delivery service? 2 206
How much satisfied are you with our delivery service? 3 111
How much satisfied are you with our delivery service? 4 375
How much satisfied are you with our delivery service? 5 665
How much satisfied are you with our delivery service? 6 669
How much satisfied are you with our delivery service? 7 808

Notice the difference after visualizing the survey data using a Likert Chart (one of the top 5 types of charts for representing data).

Rating scale survey analysis CE221
  • Sunburst Partition Chart

A Sunburst Chart is sometimes called a multi-level pie chart.

The visualization design uses concentric rings to show the hierarchy of key data points.

Thanks to the graph’s layers and nodes, you can quickly visualize complex and bulky data .

Understanding a Sunburst Partition Chart (one of the key types of charts for representing data) is critical, especially if your goal is to highlight hierarchical insights.

Category Months Country Sales
Sales June USA 75
Sales June United Kingdom 67
Sales June Germany 90
Sales July USA 75
Sales July United Kingdom 67
Sales July Germany 90
Sales April USA 67
Sales April United Kingdom 90
Sales April Germany 75
Sales May USA 67
Sales May United Kingdom 90
Sales May Germany 75

With Sunburst Partition Chart you have the following chart:

Sunburst Partition Chart CE211

Insights

  • In May, the United Kingdom recorded the highest sales, followed by Germany.
  • In June, Germany was the best-performing country, followed by the USA.
  • Comparison Bar Chart

You can easily conduct comparison analysis by using traditional Bar Charts or looking at the raw numbers.

However, these strategies are ineffective. Besides, they rarely show you the whole picture.

On the other hand, a Comparison Bar Chart is one of the best-suited types of charts for representing data. It can help you engage with your datasets and draw easily comparative insights.

Check out the data below.

Can you provide a meaningful analysis by just looking at the table?

Year Topic Positive Negative
Q1 Quality of food 11 12
Q1 Ease of ordering 29 50
Q1 Services 20 33
Q1 Parking 2 4
Q1 Cleanliness 55 12
Q1 Ease of reading the menu 12 7
Q1 Wait time to be seated 16 11
Q1 Seating space in waiting area 8 8
Q1 Menu and drink choices 4 3
Q1 Attitude of Waiter 3 5
Q1 Payment method 12 15
Q2 Quality of food 15 12
Q2 Ease of ordering 51 1
Q2 Services 28 12
Q2 Parking 4 2
Q2 Cleanliness 45 11
Q2 Ease of reading the menu 12 8
Q2 Wait time to be seated 16 18
Q2 Seating space in waiting area 13 18
Q2 Menu and drink choices 4 1
Q2 Attitude of Waiter 3 8
Q2 Payment method 17 16
Q3 Quality of food 18 12
Q3 Ease of ordering 59 20
Q3 Services 30 10
Q3 Parking 2 0
Q3 Cleanliness 55 7
Q3 Ease of reading the menu 18 10
Q3 Wait time to be seated 22 14
Q3 Seating space in waiting area 13 16
Q3 Menu and drink choices 4 1
Q3 Attitude of Waiter 2 4
Q3 Payment method 13 14

Notice the difference after visualizing the data below.

Restaurants comparison analysis CE221
  • Sankey Chart

The Sankey Diagram is a visualization design you can use to display insights into data flows and changes from a stage to another.

These flows and changes reveal significant insights, such:

  • The key changes between stages.
  • The flow of data from start to finish.
  • Where you’re losing money or other resources?

Sankey Diagrams (one of the key types of charts for representing data) are amazingly easy to read and interpret, as you shall see later.

Check out the data below. How easy is it to analyze in your head and provide meaningful conclusions?

Traffic Visitor Visitor status Page Count
Organic traffic New visitor Stayed Home page 243815
Organic traffic Repeat visitor Stayed Home page 594509
Organic traffic New visitor Bounced Home page 291969
Organic traffic Repeat visitor Bounced Home page 1111279
Paid traffic New visitor Stayed Page1 921989
Paid traffic Repeat visitor Stayed Page1 975978
Paid traffic New visitor Bounced Page1 413284
Paid traffic Repeat visitor Bounced Page1 1128882
Organic traffic New visitor Stayed Page2 508370
Organic traffic Repeat visitor Stayed Page2 532560
Organic traffic New visitor Bounced Page2 462413
Organic traffic Repeat visitor Bounced Page2 516291
Paid traffic New visitor Stayed Page3 783168
Paid traffic Repeat visitor Stayed Page3 314616
Paid traffic New visitor Bounced Page3 471163
Paid traffic Repeat visitor Bounced Page3 1013932

Notice the difference after visualizing the data using a Sankey Diagram. You can easily track the journey taken by online visitors on the website.

Website performance analysis using sankey diagram CE221

Keep reading because, in the coming section, we’ll show you how to create a chart for Data analysis in Excel.

How to Create a Chart for Data Analysis in Excel?

One of the time-saving ways of conducting data analysis is using charts and graphs, such as a Tornado Chart.

You’re unlikely to find the top 5 types of charts for representing data, such as Tornado Chart, in Microsoft Excel.

We’re not advocating you leave Microsoft Excel. 

Install a particular third-party add-in in your Excel to access more data storytelling-friendly charts, such as Tornado Chart.

The application is called ChartExpo.

What is ChartExpo?

ChartExpo is an add-in you can easily install in your Microsoft Excel to access many charts for creating compelling data stories.

ChartExpo is inexpensive. You’ll spend only $10 monthly. You are free to cancel your subscription anytime.

Besides, you don’t need special skills to generate insightful and ready-made financial analysis-friendly charts for your stories.

How to Install ChartExpo in Excel?

  1. Open your Excel application.
  2. Open the worksheet and click on the “Insert” menu.
  3. You’ll see the “My Apps”.
  4. In the office Add-ins window, click on “Store” and search for ChartExpo on my Apps Store.
  5. Click on “Add” button to install ChartExpo in your Excel.

ChartExpo charts and graphs are available both in Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Please use the following CTA’s to install the tool of your choice and create beautiful visualizations in a few clicks in your favorite tool.

Example

Let’s assume you own 2 stores. You want to compare stores orders performance side by side. For this type of analysis Tornado Chart is best.

Assume you have arranged your data in the table below.

Products Store A Store B
Laptop 100 95
Mobile 85 76
Tablet 75 67
Charger 60 58
USB 55 50
Portable 40 35
Mouse 20 25
Router 10 13
  • To get started with ChartExpo, install ChartExpo in Excel.
  • Now Click on My Apps from the INSERT.
insert chartexpo in excel
  • Choose ChartExpo from My Apps, then click Insert.
open chartexpo in excel
  • Once ChartExpo is loaded, you will see list of charts available.
list of charts in excel
  • Then, scroll through the numerous charts until you see the “Tornado Chart”.
list of charts in excel
  • Click “Create Chart From Selection” button after selecting the data from the sheet, as shown.
Create Chart From Selection CE221
  • Final Tornado Chart will look like as follow.
Tornado Chart CE221

Insights

  • Most popular item in Store A and Store B is laptop. But Store A has more orders of laptop than Store B.
  • Second popular item in Store A and Store B is mobile. But Store A has more orders of mobile than Store B.
  • Least popular item in Store A and Store B is router. But Store B has more orders of router than Store A.

FAQs

What is a chart in data analysis?

A chart is a visual diagram you can use to display relationships, patterns, trends, and outliers in your data.

The key objective of a chart is to display predictive or real-time insights into your data.

Most businesses are increasingly leveraging data using charts and graphs as backdrops for their data stories.

What are graphs used for in business?

One of the common uses of charts is to highlight changes between two or more key variables in your data.

You can easily know whether your business profits are taking a nose dive or growing rapidly. Also, you can easily track other variables, such as costs.

Wrap Up

Some of the tested and recommended types of charts for representing data include:

  • Likert Scale Chart
  • Sunburst Partition Chart
  • Comparison Bar Chart
  • Sankey Chart
  • Tornado Chart

Excel lacks a huge chunk of these charts, such as Sankey Diagrams and Likert Scale Chart.

We’re not advising you to dispose of your Microsoft Excel.

What’s the solution?

We recommend you install an add-on, such as ChartExpo, to access ready-made charts and graphs for data storytelling.

ChartExpo is an Excel add-in loaded with the top 5 charts (we’ve mentioned) and other cutting-edge graphs to help you create compelling data stories.

Sign up for a 7-day free trial today to access ready-made and visually stunning charts, such as a Tornado.

How much did you enjoy this article?

chartexpo ad

Get a reward

chartexpo ad
124428

Related articles

next previous
Microsoft Excel11 min read

Decoding Differences: Google Forms Vs. Microsoft Forms

Click learn more about Google Forms vs. Microsoft Forms differences. Also, we’ll take you through when to choose Microsoft Forms vs. Google Forms.

Microsoft Excel9 min read

Enhance Your Market Research Using Report Templates in Excel

What is a market research report template? Click here to learn how to create a market research report using Google Forms and analyze the data.

Microsoft Excel9 min read

Competitive Analysis Examples in Excel for Your Next Project

Learn how to analyze your competitors with these competitive analysis examples. Discover the benefits of competitive analysis and how to do it in Excel.

Microsoft Excel18 min read

Likert Scale: Definition, Examples, and Analysis

Click here to learn everything you need to know about Likert Scale. Its definition, examples, types, questions, advantages and how to create & analyze Likert scale data for your surveys.

Microsoft Excel8 min read

Why Customer Satisfaction Index is Important?

Click here to learn what the customer satisfaction index is and its importance. Also, learn how to calculate and visualize it using charts in Excel.

ChartExpo logo

Turn Data into Visual
Stories

CHARTEXPO

  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Videos
  • Pricing
  • Contact us
  • FAQs
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Sitemap

INSTALL

  • ChartExpo for Google Sheets
  • ChartExpo for Microsoft Excel
  • ChartExpo for Power BI

CATEGORIES

  • Bar Charts
  • Circle Graphs
  • Column Charts
  • Combo Charts
  • Comparison Charts
  • Line Graphs
  • PPC Charts
  • Sentiment Analysis Charts
  • Survey Charts

TOP CHARTS

  • Sankey Diagram
  • Likert Scale Chart
  • Comparison Bar Chart
  • Pareto Chart
  • Funnel Chart
  • Gauge Chart
  • Radar Chart
  • Radial Bar Chart
  • Sunburst Chart
  • see more
  • Scatter Plot Chart
  • CSAT Score Bar Chart
  • CSAT Score Survey Chart
  • Dot Plot Chart
  • Double Bar Graph
  • Matrix Chart
  • Multi Axis Line Chart
  • Overlapping Bar Chart
  • Control Chart
  • Slope Chart
  • Clustered Bar Chart
  • Clustered Column Chart
  • Box and Whisker Plot
  • Tornado Chart
  • Waterfall Chart
  • Word Cloud
  • see less

RESOURCES

  • Blog
  • YouTube
SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

We wouldn't dream of spamming you or selling your info.

© 2023 ChartExpo, all rights reserved.