How to Create a Stacked Waterfall Chart in Excel?

Are you looking for a way to visualize different data points in Excel? A Stacked Waterfall Chart is just what you need. It allows you to visualize data comprehensively and intuitively.

In this blog you will learn:

Table of Content:

1. What is a Stacked Waterfall Chart?
2. Difference between Stacked Waterfall and Waterfall Chart
3. How to Create a Stacked Waterfall Chart in Excel with Multiple Series?
4. When to Use a Stacked Waterfall Chart?
5. Resources for Creating a Stacked Waterfall Chart in Excel
6. Best Practices for Using a Stacked Waterfall Chart
7. Wrap Up

Let’s discuss what is a Stacked Waterfall Chart.

What is a Stacked Waterfall Chart?

Stacked Waterfall Chart shows changes in values over time or between multiple data sets. It can show the cumulative effect of a data series or compare multiple data series.

A Stacked Waterfall Chart uses a combination of stacked bars and columns to show the data points. The bars and columns are placed side by side to form a waterfall shape.

The chart also includes a total bar which shows sum of all the data points in a category or series. Also known as a Bridge Chart, it displays the bridge that connects the starting point to the endpoint.

It’s a great way to illustrate the contributions of different values to a total sum. Data analysis gets easier by displaying the individual items as bars and the total sum as a total bar.

Difference between Stacked Waterfall and Waterfall Chart

A Stacked Waterfall Chart uses a combination of stacked bars and columns to show the data points. The bars and columns are arranged adjacent to each other to create a waterfall-like shape.

A regular waterfall chart uses one type of chart element and does not include a total bar. You can use a Stacked Waterfall Chart to compare multiple series of data.

A regular waterfall chart is used to show changes in values over time. This makes a Stacked Waterfall Chart a better choice when contrasting multiple data sets.

How to Create a Stacked Waterfall Chart in Excel with Multiple Series?

First, you will need to organize your data into columns and rows. Each row should have a different series of data. Once you organize the data, you can create the chart. Upon creating the chart, you can customize it by adding labels, changing the colors and font sizes, or adding a legend.

How to Install ChartExpo on 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 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 are available both in Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Please use the following CTA’s to install the tool of your choice and make creative data visualizations in a few clicks in your favorite tool.

Example

Here is cash flow data for a certain business. Let’s create a Stacked Waterfall Chart of this data:

Stacks	Bridges	Amount
Sales	Mobiles	20025
Sales	Tablets	9746
Sales	PCs	7095
Services	Mobiles	3959
Services	Tablets	6650
Services	PCs	9077
Total Revenue	Mobiles	23984
Total Revenue	Tablets	16396
Total Revenue	PCs	16172
Marketing	Mobiles	-4630
Marketing	Tablets	-2360
Marketing	PCs	-2650
Transportation Cost	Mobiles	-2150
Transportation Cost	Tablets	-935
Transportation Cost	PCs	-965
Salaries	Mobiles	-3360
Salaries	Tablets	-2340
Salaries	PCs	-1130
Wages	Mobiles	-3510
Wages	Tablets	-2390
Wages	PCs	-930
Operating Cost	Mobiles	-640
Operating Cost	Tablets	-3700
Operating Cost	PCs	-1240
Taxes	Mobiles	-4180
Taxes	Tablets	-1800
Taxes	PCs	-5460
Net Income	Mobiles	5514
Net Income	Tablets	2871
Net Income	PCs	3797

• To get started with ChartExpo, install ChartExpo in Excel.
• Now Click on My Apps from the INSERT menu.

• Choose ChartExpo from My Apps, then click Insert.

• Once ChartExpo is loaded, you will see list of charts available.

• Then, scroll through the numerous charts until you see the “Waterfall Chart”.

• After highlighting data from the sheet, click on the option “Create Chart From Selection“.

• The result will be an image that looks like the one below.

Insights

• It is clear that the total revenue of $56.6k is derived from sales of $36.87k and services of $19.69k.
• Mobile sales are the major contributor at $20.03k.
• PCs accounted for the majority of services at $9.08k.
• Most of the revenue was consumed by Taxes and Marketing, which amounted to $11.44k and $9.64k, respectively.
• Transportation was the least spending at $4.05k.
• Ultimately, your net income was $12.18k.

When to Use a Stacked Waterfall Chart?

• When visualizing changes in values over time or between multiple data sets.
• It is ideal for data sets with multiple series. You can use it to show the cumulative effect or compare multiple data series.
• Comparing performance across different categories or periods.
• To analyze financial performance or to compare sales of different products or services.
• To compare the performance of different departments or divisions within a company.
• It’s a great way to compare the contributions of different values to a total sum. Thus, a great data visualization tool to use when analyzing data that you can break down into several parts.
• When you need to explain a large amount of data to your audience.

Resources for Creating a Stacked Waterfall Chart in Excel

• ChartExpo offers a variety of charts and diagrams to choose from and provides step-by-step instructions for creating the chart.
• Excel Charts is another great resource for creating charts in Excel. It offers a variety of templates, including stacked waterfall charts. It also provides step-by-step instructions for creating the chart.
• Microsoft’s Chart Wizard offers guides and step-by-step instructions for creating various charts.

Best Practices for Using a Stacked Waterfall Chart

• Make sure the chart is easy to understand by including a total bar and using a consistent scale.
• Create a visually appealing chart using a consistent font size, color scheme, and layout.
• Ensure you have organized the data in columns and rows. You should have one column for each data point and one row for each series.
• Format the data correctly. You should use a consistent font size and color scheme to make the chart easier to read.
• Use consistent units. Different units can make your Stacked Waterfall Chart confusing. Consistent units will make it easier for your audience to navigate the chart.
• Identify the overall trend. Your Stacked Waterfall Chart should help you see the overall trend of your data. Look for a pattern in the data, and see if you can identify a trend.

FAQs

What is a Stacked Waterfall Chart?

A Stacked Waterfall Chart shows changes in values over time or between multiple data sets. It uses a combination of stacked bars and columns to show the data points. The bars and columns are placed side by side to form a waterfall shape.

What types of data can you visualize with a Stacked Waterfall Chart in Excel?

It is commonly used to visualize and analyze financial data, such as profit, revenue, expenses, and cash flow. Stacked Waterfall Charts are also useful for visualizing and analyzing datasets with multiple categories. For example, expenditures by department or revenue by product category.

What advantages does a Stacked Waterfall Chart have over other chart types?

It makes it easier to track and analyze trends over time. You can also use it to compare multiple data series. This makes it a great tool for comparing different categories. Furthermore, the chart is highly customizable.

What are the different components of a Stacked Waterfall Chart?

The chart consists of individual bars and a total bar. The bars represent the individual items and their contribution to the total sum, while the total bar depicts the total sum. It also includes a legend that lists each item and its contribution to the total sum.

Wrap Up

Now, you have learned how to create a Stacked Waterfall Chart in Excel. It’s a great way to compare the contributions of different values to a total sum.

ChartExpo is a great resource for creating a Stacked Waterfall Chart in Excel. It offers a variety of charts and diagrams to choose from and provides step-by-step instructions for creating the chart.

Waterfall charts help you to visualize the cumulative effect of positive and negative values. Creating a Stacked Waterfall Chart is a great way to visualize data intuitively.

In addition, it’s also a great way to identify areas of improvement quickly. For efficiency, ensure the data is in columns and rows, and the chart is easy to interpret.