Excel offers several chart types that help us to represent data in a visually appealing way. Amongst them, the Sunburst chart is a popular choice that draws attention for its unique design. This chart type is an excellent illustration of hierarchical data that categorizes its contents in a circular pattern. This article will discuss everything about the Sunburst chart in Excel, including its purpose, how to make it, and customize it, using it for data analysis, comparing it with other chart types, troubleshooting common issues, and finally, exporting and sharing it.
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What is a Sunburst Chart and How Does it Work in Excel?
A Sunburst chart in Excel is a circular chart designed to showcase hierarchical data, which starts with the root or top-level of data and then branches out according to the subcategories. It is often utilized in data presentations where the data requires a more natural display and analysis. For instance, in hierarchical data, the structure is often visually represented through the sunburst chart. The chart works by partitioning the circle into wedge-like segments based on the subcategories that the data is organized into.
One of the advantages of using a sunburst chart is that it allows for easy identification of the largest and smallest categories within the data. The larger segments are located closer to the center of the circle, while the smaller segments are located towards the outer edges. Additionally, users can interact with the chart by clicking on a segment to zoom in and view the subcategories in more detail. This feature makes it easier to analyze and understand complex hierarchical data.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Sunburst Chart in Excel
Creating a sunburst chart in Excel is simple if you have the proper data. Here are some step-by-step instructions to create a sunburst chart in Excel:
- First, prepare the data that you want to display in your Sunburst chart. The data must be in either hierarchical or tree structure with the hierarchical levels in a specific order from top to bottom. You can use sample data or prepare your data in an Excel workbook.
- Select the data cells that you want to use for the chart.
- Click on the Insert tab from the Excel ribbon.
- Choose the “Sunburst” chart type in the “Charts” section.
- Your chart is now created, and the default format should be ready to display the hierarchical data.
Once you have created your sunburst chart, you can customize it to fit your needs. You can change the colors, fonts, and labels to make it more visually appealing and easier to understand. You can also add data labels to show the values of each section of the chart.
Another useful feature of sunburst charts is the ability to drill down into the data. You can click on a section of the chart to see more detailed information about that section. This can be helpful when you have a large amount of data and want to focus on specific areas.
Choosing the Right Data for Your Sunburst Chart
The Sunburst chart can show a wide range of hierarchical data, from simple to complex. The hierarchical data generally presents itself in either a circular or radial tree orientation. That means you will need to choose only the necessary information to show identifying parts of your data. Also, you can use the Sunburst chart’s unique arrangement to analyze and interpret the data, as data classification becomes more explicit from innermost to outermost levels.
When selecting data for your Sunburst chart, it is important to consider the level of detail you want to display. Including too much information can make the chart cluttered and difficult to read, while including too little can result in a lack of meaningful insights. It is also important to ensure that the data is organized in a hierarchical structure, with clear parent-child relationships. This will allow the Sunburst chart to accurately represent the data and make it easier to interpret.
Customizing Your Sunburst Chart: Colors, Labels, and More
Customizing your Sunburst chart requires an adjustment to the data, series, and chart elements. You can add different colors and borders, and also change the chart’s layout. Not only that, but you also have the ability to adjust text size and format and add chart titles and legends. There is a host of customization tools available for Sunburst charts in Excel, making it easy to visually represent your data precisely how you want it.
One of the most useful customization tools for Sunburst charts is the ability to add labels to each segment of the chart. This can help to clarify the data being presented and make it easier for viewers to understand the information being conveyed. Additionally, you can adjust the size and position of these labels to ensure they are easily readable and do not overlap with other segments of the chart. By taking advantage of these customization options, you can create a Sunburst chart that is both visually appealing and informative.
Tips and Tricks for Making Your Sunburst Chart Stand Out
Here are some tips and tricks that will help your Sunburst chart stand out:
- Use contrasting colors that can help make each hierarchy level more distinguishable and more readable.
- Use right-sized fonts so that each hierarchy level can be read easily.
- Use preset formatting styles available in Excel to create an attractive chart design.
- Add a chart title and data labels to clarify what the chart is about and to make the data points more readable.
Additionally, consider using a gradient fill for each hierarchy level. This can add depth and dimension to the chart, making it more visually appealing and easier to read.
Using Sunburst Charts for Data Analysis: Examples and Best Practices
Sunburst charts are valuable when it comes to data analysis, such as when your data is categorically structured. For example, sunburst charts can be used to display employee roles, departments or branches, or budget distributions of a company. They can effectively illustrate the data’s complex hierarchical structure to make it easier to understand. Best practices when using Sunburst charts include keeping the data as simple as possible and limiting the maximum number of hierarchy levels to three or four.
Another advantage of using Sunburst charts is that they can help identify patterns and trends in the data. By visualizing the data in a circular format, it becomes easier to see which categories are the most prominent and which ones are less significant. This can be particularly useful when analyzing sales data, as it can help identify which products or services are the most popular among customers.
However, it’s important to note that Sunburst charts may not be the best choice for all types of data. For instance, if the data is not categorically structured, or if there are too many categories, the chart may become cluttered and difficult to read. In such cases, it may be better to use a different type of chart, such as a bar chart or a scatter plot.
Comparing Sunburst Charts to Other Chart Types in Excel
Sunburst charts are distinct from other Excel chart types, such as Pie and Donut charts. Donut charts represent a set of data as a percentage, with more than one value assigned to a single slice of the chart. Pie charts represent a part of a whole and present each slice proportionate to its value. In contrast, Sunburst charts display hierarchical and structured data, with each level forming a ring segment representing the division of data into subcategories, then sub-subcategories and so on, forming a visual hierarchy.
One advantage of using Sunburst charts is that they allow for easy identification of the largest and smallest segments of data, as they are positioned at the outer and inner edges of the chart respectively. This makes it easier to identify patterns and trends within the data, and to quickly identify areas that require further analysis. Additionally, Sunburst charts can be customized with different colors and labels to make them more visually appealing and easier to understand.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Creating Sunburst Charts in Excel
Some usual issues that surface when creating a Sunburst chart in Excel are getting the right data structure and selecting the correct part of the data range. Another issue could be the visualization of the chart and the placement of labels and data points. Excel provides a wide range of tools to fix these issues, such as shifting the chart’s position or changing the data range in each level.
One additional issue that can arise when creating Sunburst charts in Excel is the difficulty in customizing the chart’s appearance. While Excel provides a variety of pre-set styles and color schemes, it can be challenging to create a chart that matches your specific design preferences. To address this issue, users can explore the formatting options available in Excel, such as changing the chart’s colors, fonts, and borders. Additionally, users can consider using third-party add-ins or creating their own custom chart templates to achieve the desired look and feel.
Exporting and Sharing Your Sunburst Chart: Formats and Options
After creating a Sunburst chart in Excel, sharing it with others can be done in several ways. Excel provides several file formats to choose from, such as JPEG, PDF, GIF, and others. You can also prepare the chart for screen display, print or web publishing with adjustable printing scale and page orientation options. Another option is to share the Excel data file along with the chart, so others can see and work with the data themselves.
In conclusion, Sunburst charts have become a popular option for displaying hierarchical and structured data in a visually appealing manner. With its circular and hierarchical design, it can easily represent the data’s complex data structures in a simplified way. By using the right data, customizing the chart with various tools, and following the best practices, a Sunburst chart in Excel can effectively communicate the information that you want to share.
It is important to note that when exporting or sharing your Sunburst chart, you should consider the audience and purpose of the chart. For example, if the chart is intended for a presentation, it may be more effective to export it as a PDF or image file, rather than sharing the Excel file. Additionally, you may want to consider adding annotations or labels to the chart to provide context and clarity for the viewer. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your Sunburst chart effectively communicates the information you want to share.
