A radial chart, often called a spider chart or a star chart, is a type of data visualisation that shows several variables at once. It is an effective technique for contrasting various factors and seeing patterns in data.
We will describe how to make a radial chart in PowerPoint in this article.
How To Make A Radial Chart In PowerPoint
Using PowerPoint to create a radial chart is a practical way to visualise data and contrast numerous factors in one chart. You can make a visually beautiful and instructive chart that can be utilised to convey complex facts to your audience by following the methods indicated below.
Step 1: Get the Data Ready
The data that you want to present in the radial chart must first be prepared. The data for each variable should be provided in rows, with each variable’s values listed in its own column. Each column may represent a different team, and each row could represent a different performance measure, such as points, goals, and assists, if you were making a radial chart to compare the performance of various teams in a sports league.
Step 2: Insert a Radar Chart
You must add a radar chart to your PowerPoint presentation in order to generate a radial chart. To do this, select Chart from the list of options by clicking on the Insert tab. Choose Radar from the list of chart types in the Insert Chart window that displays. Select a radar chart subtype, such as a filled radar chart or a radar chart with markers, that best fits your data.
Step 3: Enter the Information
After choosing the kind of radar map you wish to use, add your data by clicking the Edit Data button. This will launch an Excel spreadsheet where you can type in the information for the chart. The information from your prepared spreadsheet can be copied and pasted into this Excel spreadsheet.
Step 4: Customize the Chart
After entering the data, you can modify the chart to improve its aesthetic appeal and readability. To make the lines and markers on the chart stand out, you can alter their colour and design. To make it apparent what each variable represents, you can also add labels to the chart’s axis and legend.
Here are a few options for modifying the chart:
- Change the number of axes: Axes can be added or removed by selecting the chart area and the Design tab on the ribbon, respectively. Under Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels, click the Edit button after selecting the data. Then, as necessary, add or remove labels.
- Axis label changes: Select the chart area and then click the Design tab on the ribbon to alter the axes’ labels. Under Legend Entries (Series), click the Edit button after selecting the data. New labels can then be entered for each series.
- Change the colours: Choose the element you want to change’s colour, and then click the Format tab on the ribbon to change the element’s colour. To change the colour of the element, select Fill or Outline from the menu.
- Add a title: Select the chart area, then click the Design tab on the ribbon to add a title. Select the type of title you want to add by clicking the Chart Title button.
Step 5: Format the Chart
Select the Format tab from the Chart Tools menu to format the chart. Here, you may change the font style and size, add a background colour or picture, change the line thickness, and change the marker size to alter the appearance of the chart. To make sure that the data is presented precisely and clearly, you may also change the scale of the chart axis.
Step 6: Add Data Labels
You can add data labels to each variable to make the chart simpler to interpret for your audience. By selecting Data Labels from the options when you click the Add Chart Element button in the Chart Tools menu, data labels can be added. The data labels can be shown as a percentage of the total value, inside or outside the chart markers.
Step 7: Adjust the Data Range
By right-clicking the chart and choosing Select Data from the menu options, you can change the data range if it is not displaying properly. You can add or remove data series, alter the series name and values, and change the axis labels in the Select Data Source window that opens.
Step 8: Save and Share the Chart
Make sure to save your radial chart as a PowerPoint file after you’ve finished creating it so that you can later easily edit and distribute it. You may also save the chart as an image file, like a JPEG or PNG, to share on social media or integrate into other documents.
Tips for Designing a Successful Radial Chart:
- Select the Correct Radar Chart Type: There are various radar chart types, including filled radar charts, unfilled radar charts, and radar charts with markers. Select the chart type that best fits your data and enables you to compare various variables.
- Keep it Simple: Don’t overstuff the chart with information or labels. To distinguish between various variables, use different colours or styling.
- Use Clear Labels: To make it clear what each variable represents, add labels to the chart’s legend and axis. Use labels that are easy to see and understand, and that are clear and succinct.
- Use different colours or markers to draw attention to significant data points or trends in the data.
- Ascertain Accuracy: Verify that the information in your chart is correct and accurately reflects the numbers in your original data collection.
- Maintain Consistency in Scale: Maintain consistency in the scale of the chart axis to guarantee accurate data display and simple comparison of various variables.
- Use excellent Design Principles: To make your chart aesthetically appealing and easy to read, use excellent design principles like colour contrast, font selection, and whitespace.
You can make a radial chart that effectively conveys your data to your audience by using these suggestions and the above-described processes.