Master the Art of Data Presentation: How to Create Thermometer Chart in Excel

Visualizing data effectively is crucial for conveying information clearly and engagingly. While Excel offers a wide array of chart types, sometimes you need a more visually compelling and attention-grabbing way to present your data. Enter the thermometer chart, a unique and dynamic chart type that resembles a thermometer, allowing you to track progress towards a goal in a visually appealing manner. This blog post will guide you through the process of creating a thermometer chart in Excel, empowering you to present your data in a fresh and impactful way.

Understanding the Thermometer Chart

A thermometer chart is a specialized type of bar chart that visually represents progress towards a specific goal. It’s particularly useful for showcasing:

• Progress towards a target: This could be sales targets, fundraising goals, project completion milestones, or any other metric.
• Performance against a benchmark: Compare your current performance to a desired benchmark or previous performance levels.
• Percentage completion: Clearly illustrate the percentage of a goal that has been achieved.

Setting Up Your Data

Before embarking on creating your thermometer chart, ensure your data is organized correctly. Here’s a basic structure to follow:
1. Goal Value: This represents the maximum value your chart will track.
2. Current Value: This is the current progress or achievement towards the goal.
For example, if your goal is to sell 100 units and you’ve currently sold 75 units, your data would look like this:

• Goal Value: 100
• Current Value: 75

How to Create a Thermometer Chart in Excel

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating a thermometer chart in Excel:
1. Prepare Your Data: Organize your data as described above, with separate columns for the Goal Value and Current Value.
2. Select the Data: Highlight the cells containing your Goal Value and Current Value.
3. Insert a Bar Chart: Go to the “Insert” tab and click on the “Bar Chart” icon. Choose the “Clustered Bar Chart” option.
4. Format the Chart: Right-click on the chart and select “Format Data Series.”
5. Adjust Chart Dimensions: In the “Format Data Series” pane, find the “Series Options” section. Adjust the “Gap Width” to 0% to eliminate the gap between bars.
6. Customize the Appearance: Now, let’s transform this basic chart into a thermometer:

• Change the Bar Color: Select the bar representing your Current Value and choose a color that aligns with your brand or theme.
• Add a Second Bar: Right-click on the chart and select “Select Data.” Click on “Add” to add a new data series. For the new series, enter the Goal Value as both the “Series Name” and “Series Values.” This will create a second, taller bar representing your goal.
• Format the Second Bar: Right-click on the second bar and select “Format Data Series.” Choose a color that contrasts with the Current Value bar, representing the remaining goal.
• Add a Thermometer Shape: Right-click on the chart and select “Change Chart Type.” Choose the “Column Chart” option and select the “Stacked Column” sub-type.

7. Add a Thermometer Shape: Right-click on the chart and select “Change Chart Type.” Choose the “Column Chart” option and select the “Stacked Column” sub-type.
8. Customize the Thermometer:

• Add a Thermometer Bulb: Insert a shape (e.g., a circle) from the “Insert” tab and place it at the top of the thermometer.
• Add a Thermometer Scale: Use Excel’s “Text Box” feature to add a scale along the side of the thermometer, indicating the values.
• Add a Label: Insert a text box to display the current value and percentage achieved.

Enhancing Your Thermometer Chart

Now that you have a basic thermometer chart, let’s explore some techniques to make it even more visually appealing and informative:

• Add a Title: A clear and concise title will provide context for your chart.
• Format the Axes: Customize the axis labels, gridlines, and font styles to enhance readability.
• Use Data Labels: Add data labels to the bars to display specific values or percentages.
• Add a Legend: Include a legend to explain the different bar colors and what they represent.
• Choose a Suitable Theme: Select a color scheme that aligns with your presentation style and brand.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While creating a thermometer chart in Excel is relatively straightforward, you might encounter some common issues:

• Chart Size: Ensure your chart is large enough to display all elements clearly.
• Alignment: Ensure your thermometer bulb and scale are correctly aligned with the bars.
• Data Accuracy: Double-check that your data is entered correctly.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Customization

For a more sophisticated thermometer chart, consider these advanced customization options:

• Conditional Formatting: Use conditional formatting to change the bar color based on performance levels (e.g., green for exceeding the goal, yellow for meeting the goal, red for falling short).
• Animation: Add animation to your chart to make it more dynamic and engaging.
• Interactive Elements: Use Excel’s built-in features or external add-ins to create interactive elements like drop-down menus or buttons that allow users to adjust the data and view different scenarios.

A Final Touch: Charting Success

Creating a thermometer chart in Excel is a powerful way to visualize progress towards a goal. By following these steps and experimenting with customization options, you can create engaging and informative charts that effectively communicate your data and highlight key achievements.

Popular Questions

Q: Can I use a thermometer chart for multiple goals?
A: Yes, you can create a separate thermometer chart for each goal you want to track.
Q: Can I create a thermometer chart without using a bar chart as a base?
A: While a bar chart provides a convenient starting point, you can also create a thermometer chart from scratch using shapes and text boxes.
Q: What are some other creative ways to use a thermometer chart?
A: You can use thermometer charts to visualize:

• Customer satisfaction: Track progress towards improving customer satisfaction scores.
• Employee engagement: Monitor employee engagement levels over time.
• Project timelines: Visualize the progress of a project against its timeline.

Q: Where can I find more advanced examples of thermometer charts?
A: You can find inspiration and examples of advanced thermometer charts online on websites like Exceljet and Peltier Tech.