What Is Data Visualization in Excel?

Introduction 

Excel is a popular choice for data analysis due to its superior data visualization tools. Its data visualization feature allows for the development of eye-catching visualizations. There is a distinct meaning for each Excel chart. A wide variety of charts already included in Excel can be skillfully used to maximize the potential of data. 

The use of data visualization in Excel has become commonplace because of its efficacy in helping make complex data easy to understand and retain. Compared to 10% of the information heard, people can remember 65% three days after viewing an image containing data. 90% of the information sent to our brains, according to MIT research, is visual. 

What Do You Mean By Data Visualization In Excel?  

Data visualization in Excel is used to depict data and information graphically. These tools provide an easy way to monitor and evaluate trends, exceptions, and data patterns by including visual components like charts, graphs, and maps. It is also a great tool for employees or business owners to articulate data effectively to non-technical consumers. 

Data visualization technologies and tools are crucial in the realm of big data for evaluating massive volumes of data and making data-driven conclusions. 

Because it makes data easier to view, interact with, and grasp, data visualization is important. No matter how skilled they are, the right visualization can get everyone on the same page, whether the task is simple or difficult. 

The value of experts using graphics to tell stories about how data affects the who, what, when, where, and how is rising. The modern professional world also values those who can bridge the two: data visualization in Excel sits right in the middle of analysis and visual storytelling. The distinction between imaginative storytelling and technical analysis is typically very distinct in traditional education. This is all about “What’s data visualization in Excel?” let’s go into the details now. 

Types of Data Visualization in Excel 

Depending on the data you have access to and the objective you’re attempting to achieve, you can use a variety of approaches to data visualization, including the following: 

Column Chart 

Data is shown as vertical bars in this simple type of chart. Selecting the data is the first step in creating a column chart. Next, select the required option from the Column chart menu. There are numerous options in the Column chart; the appropriate one should be selected. The column chart that displays the overall sales by region is quite simple. The chart can be formatted as necessary. 

Line Diagram 

This graph helps identify trends. For instance, in this instance, we will compare the sales trend over the quarters for two cities for which we have quarter-by-quarter data. To create a line chart, first, choose the data and then click the necessary line chart option. 

Pie Charts 

Pie charts, which are circular diagrams with each value represented by a slice of the pie, display various values as a percentage of 100. Overlapping slices in complicated pie charts can display more data. To create a pie chart, choose the required columns, then pick the relevant pie chart from the option. 

Bar Chart 

A fantastic tool for visualizing data sets containing positive or negative values, multiple categories, or one or more series of data, a bar graph has an x- and y-axis. Only horizontal bars distinguish this chart type from a column chart. Select the appropriate bar chart option from the Bar option to build a horizontal bar. 

This graph shows the trend of a metric for different categories over time. The data are presented in the chart using areas. 

Scatter Charts 

Professionals use them to determine the relationship between two variables using this chart. The graph accepts corresponding individual values as x and y coordinates and requires two series. The first two steps in creating a scatter plot are selecting the data and then choosing the necessary scatter plot. 

Stock Chart 

These particular chart types are utilized for stock price analysis. Select the data and the necessary stock chart option to create a stock chart. The Opening Price, High Price, Low Price, and Closing Price of the stocks must be defined in the correct order for this graphic. A different set of inputs are needed for each of the chart options in the Stock chart. 

Doughnut Chart 

This graph is a particular kind of pie chart, except that it is displayed as a doughnut. This chart is easy to construct. Choose the data for the chart to be generated, and then choose the necessary option from the two doughnut possibilities in the other chart option. The doughnut graphic gives us a sense of the average percent contribution to overall sales. A significant text that offers some insight can be written in the doughnut chart’s middle section. 

Bubble Chart 

Despite their complexity, bubble charts are a great way to extract information from data. Three values are taken into account in this chart. The X-axis and Y-axis are represented by two of the three dimensions, respectively, and the third value determines the size of the bubble. 

Histograms  

With an x- and y-axis and colored bars, this graph resembles a bar graph. Histograms often show how various data sets are distributed. 

Timelines 

These horizontal graphs show different values or events at different times. Most of the time, they only contain an x-axis, while some data sets support both. 

Heat Maps  

A heat map is a graphic representation of where specific data is concentrated. For instance, the hotspots for crime in a city may be displayed using a heat map. 

Waterfall Chart 

One of the most widely used visualization tools in both small and large enterprises is the waterfall chart. Fl waterfall charts are appropriate for illustrating how you got at a net value, such as net income, by decomposing the cumulative impact of positive and negative contributions. 

There is a waterfall chart type in Excel 2016. A stacked column chart can still be used to produce a waterfall chart if Excel 2003 or earlier is being used. 

Because the columns are color-coded, you can distinguish between positive and negative values with ease. The columns for the initial and end values begin on the horizontal axis, whereas the columns for the intermediate values are floating columns. Waterfall charts are sometimes known as bridge charts because of their appearance. 

Sparklines 

These are miniature charts placed in individual cells, each representing a row of data from your choice. They offer an easy way to spot trends. 

Steps for Effective Data Visualization in Excel 

It’s crucial to follow a few steps when generating a data visualization for your spreadsheet to ensure you’re utilizing the proper visualization and including all of your data. To build data visualization, take the following actions: 

Make a Well-structured Spreadsheet 

Make a well-structured spreadsheet with accurate labels and data. Because the software uses labels and positioning to decide where to position your data in the visualization. Organized spreadsheets may be simpler to convert into visualizations. Assemble your data so that each number is in a different column, and give each column in your spreadsheet a title. You can perform a test to see where the titles of your columns appear on your visualization because different charts organize titles in different places. Later on in the process, you can even change the titles of your charts. 

Highlight the Information You’ve Used 

You are prepared to construct a visualization for that data collection once you have sorted your data. To highlight the data you want to visualize, move your mouse or finger across it. By emphasizing your data, you are instructing the visualization program on what to include and how to arrange it in the finished visualization. If you wish to arrange three columns into a bar graph, highlight the columns collectively rather than separately. You could also highlight a specific column or row to produce unique visualizations for each chart. 

Click “Insert,” Then Select a Type of Visualization 

Your data is highlighted, and you are now prepared to select a visualization style. It’s crucial to ascertain which type of visualization works best with your data to acquire a clearer perspective. A graph chart, for instance, can be the ideal choice for comparable data, whereas a line chart can make trends and value disparities easier to see. Choose the type of visualization you require, then go to the “Insert” tab at the spreadsheet’s top. Select a menu option from the available selections, then click or press it to activate it. 

Review the Information to Ensure Accuracy 

When you build a visualization, all of your data is displayed as a visualization next to your original columns. This visualization’s titles, axes, and information are all editable as needed. Check your visualization to make sure the data it produces corresponds to the initial data set. Additionally, you may edit the chart’s name, add details to each axis or segment, and share the chart with others. You can use a cloud or email service to save and email your chart if you wish to share it. 

Conclusion 

A certain problem can be solved using a variety of visualizations. However, the right visualization must be selected before using Excel to solve the issue. It’s crucial to fully comprehend visualization’s components before using it. If the visualization is not properly understood, the results may be erroneous