Creating Engaging Curved Column Charts

Aug 22, 2024

Creating a Curved Column Chart in Excel

Introduction

  • Presenter: Nick
  • Inspiration from Leila Gerani's YouTube video
  • Focus on creating a fun infographic curved column chart
  • Data context: Visitor experience/satisfaction survey data from informal learning places (museums, zoos, aquariums)

Overview of the Chart

  • Desired outcome: A visually appealing, different effect from typical column charts

Steps to Create the Chart

1. Insert Column Chart

  • Go to the Insert tab in Excel
  • Select 2D Clustered Column chart
  • Label the chart accordingly (e.g., "This Year")
  • Adjust font if needed

2. Format the Chart

  • Gap Width: Reduce to 50% (preferred range: 30-50%)
  • Gridlines: Remove for a cleaner look
  • Axis Maximum: Set to 100
  • Border: Remove gray border around the chart

3. Create the Curved Effect

  • Insert a shape:
    • Go to the Insert tab
    • Select Shapes > choose a half circle shape (Flow Chart > Delay)
  • Format the shape:
    • Set color (same as chart bars)
    • Choose No Outline
    • Rotate shape by 45 degrees

4. Embedding the Curved Shape

  • Copy the shape
  • Click on the chart bars and paste the shape (use Control+C and Control+V)
  • Note: Initial result may stretch the curves

5. Adjust the Chart to Stacked Column

  • Create a new data series for the chart:
    • Formula: =Score - 0.1 (lower by 10%)
    • Create a new column with values set to 10% for base of stacked column
  • Highlight the data (lower and upper stacks) while holding Control key
  • Insert a Stacked Column Chart from the chart options
  • Format chart:
    • Remove borders and gridlines
    • Set maximum axis value to 100
    • Adjust gap width to 50%

6. Finalize the Curved Chart

  • Paste the half moon shape on top of the new stacked column chart
  • Adjust to ensure the curves look better (less stretch)
  • Remove the legend if unnecessary
  • Add data labels to the top section:
    • Select data labels and link to actual score values instead of the created variable
    • Use the Format Data Label menu to select values from cells

Conclusion

  • Thank Leila Garani for the technique
  • Use in dashboarding and reporting for engaging visuals
  • Encourage viewers to like and subscribe for more tutorials on data design, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
  • Reminder: You don't need to be a professional designer to create appealing charts with available software.