There are a lot of reasons why you may need to create a pyramid chart. They’re a popular way to represent data graphically in a way that presents a clear hierarchy. Pyramid charts are used in marketing, scientific research, business, and even education. They’re versatile, useful, and accessible, as you don’t need years of experience analyzing data to interpret them. Anyone who hasn’t created one before might be intimidated, but you shouldn’t be. If you’re not sure where to start, keep reading to find out how to make your own pyramid chart in five easy steps.
- Create the table that will hold your data.
Though it may seem difficult to make a pyramid chart, the steps are actually fairly straightforward. The column chart method is the simplest way to create a pyramid chart. The table should have at least two columns: “Item” and “Quantity”. You can add additional columns if you want, but these two are necessary for creating the pyramid chart. Keep in mind when creating your data visualization that there are other types of pyramid charts as well.
The stacked column chart method is similar to the column chart method, but it allows you to compare the categories more easily. To create a stacked column chart, you will first need to create a table with three columns: the percentage of the population that belongs to each category, the number of people in each category, and the cumulative percentage of the population that belongs to each category. The area chart method is the most complex way to create a pyramid chart. It requires additional data and can be more time-consuming to assemble. The increased emphasis on charting functionality in tech should simplify the process in time.
- Organize the data into a hierarchal format.
Your data will need to be organized and sorted before you can generate your chart. For example, you can start with a spreadsheet with five columns: date, product, category, subcategory, and quantity. You’ll need to put together a series of stacked bar charts, with the data for each bar segment displayed in descending order. These bars are what will eventually create the pyramid shape of the chart itself.
- Label each part of the pyramid.
Once you’ve combined your bars containing the appropriate data into a pyramid, you’ll need to label it. You can use an infographic template or create your own design for your chart. This will help you to understand the different levels of the pyramid and the data that is represented. Once the sections are labeled, you can begin to create the pyramid chart. Take the time to look at some examples of pyramids as they are used in SEO if you need a guide.
- Design a layout that is simple and visually appealing.
Your chart needs to be eye-catching, readable, and use different colors to clearly differentiate the sections of your pyramid chart. The first step is to create the base, which is the largest part of the pyramid. You can work your way up to the tip of the pyramid from there. Once the pyramid is complete, you may be tempted to start immediately analyzing your data. However, there is one more step that you should take before dissecting what inferences can be made from your data.
- Double-check all of your data before presenting the chart.
Though it may seem obvious, many companies and data analysts skip this step. Do so at your own peril. In any data analysis or data visualization project, it is always important to check your data for accuracy and completeness. Even if you are confident in your abilities, it is a good idea to perform some simple checks to make sure that your data is ready for public consumption. By taking the time to check your data and choose the right format, you can create data visualizations that are both accurate and easy to understand.
As you can see, it isn’t as complicated as it might seem to create high-quality visualizations, including pyramid diagrams. It’s important to remember that your chart will only be as good as the data you put into it. That’s why experts always recommend double-checking your work for accuracy before presenting any charts you’ve created. As long as you follow these steps, you shouldn’t have a problem creating aesthetically pleasing and informative pyramid charts.
