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Which graph type ?

ninad7

Member
For some reasons, the metrics for our performance measures are set into bandwidths and one example is Unsatisfactory <=19%, Acceptable >=20% and <=29%, Excellent >=30%. The data is captured and represented either monthly / quarterly.


What is the best way to represent this graphically ? Will it be a Stacked Bar Graph (showing the bandwidths) and Line (showing the trend) combo ?


Regards,


Ninad.
 
Have you looked at a Bullet chart

http://peltiertech.com/WordPress/in-cell-bullet-charts/
 
Bullet charts are nice but work best when used as isolated measurements or when reporting different measurement in the same group.


I would go with the poster's suggested. I'd use a stacked bar chart with zero gap to create the band levels and use a line chart to display the values. Given they have a time scale, monthly or quarterly a line chart would be most effective.


Jesse
 
@Hui: Yes, I've considered bullet charts too.


I wanted to get a feel from the members for their view point as well.


@Jesse: That's exactly what I did for one graph. Yet to make up my mind.
 
From the "master" Jon Peltier:


2003 and earlier:

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/ChartsHowTo/HorizBands.html


2007+:

http://peltiertech.com/WordPress/horizontal-bands-in-background-of-excel-2007-chart/
 
No offence meant Luke. But too many of those bands on the page will make me color blind some day. But I have to go with it. I did go through Jon's blogs and have finalised which metrics will be displayed as stacked bar and line combo graphs and bullet charts for the others, whilst some will be pure data.


Thanks for the inputs.
 
None taken. It doesn't always come out, but Jon tends to use sarcasm frequently. I think the over-use of color is a response from "pointy haired bosses" who tend to ask for things w/o really thinking what it'll look like.


PHB: "I want a chart w/ color. Lots of color!"

Emplyee: "Okay..."


*grin*
 
May be I'll just make all graphs that way and get the higher ups to see differently ;).


Have a great day.
 
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