Create a Radar Chart in Excel
How are radar charts used?
Businesses frequently employ radar charts for the following two kinds of comparisons:
What is a radar chart?
When there are numerous variables, a radar chart is a technique for graphing data in a two-dimensional diagram. A radar chart can be used to compare multiple groups of the same variables or to graph one group of variables. Each variable is plotted on axes that are evenly spaced around the origin. Gridlines link the axes and make the chart easier to read. Each set of variables on the graph forms a polygon when you connect them.
When comparing multiple groups, you mark each one with a distinct colored polygon that is superimposed on the others. A spider chart, polar chart, web chart, or star plot are some of the additional names for a radar chart.
Advantages of radar charts
When graphing and comparing data, radar charts have a number of advantages, including:
You can compare a large number of variables
The ability of radar charts to plot a large number of variables on one graph and then connect each one to form a polygonal shape that represents the group is their main advantage. This makes it possible to compare multiple variables in a way that is simpler to read and looks less cluttered than other graphs and charts.
You can make comparisons quickly
Data is represented in shapes on radar charts, allowing for quick comparisons between groups. You can save time by quickly visually comparing each polygon’s size and shape.
Outliers are noticeable
Radar charts make outliers obvious because the outlier’s point won’t line up with other chart variables. For instance, by examining how each point relates to the others, you can quickly determine whether an individual salesperson has metrics that significantly outperform the rest of the team if you want to compare their metrics to your team’s overall metrics.
You can use different scales of measurement
The capacity of radar charts to graph variables using various methods of evaluation is another significant benefit. For instance, you could use one variable to calculate sales per hour and another variable to calculate customer conversion rate when comparing metrics for your sales team.
How to create radar charts in Excel
Here’s how to create a radar chart in Excel:
1. Determine the data range you need
Making sure all of the data you need to display in your chart is typed into your Excel workbook is the first step. When everything is in your workbook, select the information by highlighting it.
2. Select the radar chart you want to use
Next, select the “Insert” button from the top toolbar. Then, select “Other Charts” and then “Radar. Choose the specific type of chart you want to use in the end.
3. Excel will create the chart
Using the data you chose in step one, Excel will create the radar chart. Although each axis’ labels are displayed in this chart, you can choose to hide them if you’d like to make it easier to view.
4. Remove axis labels
Right-click the axis and choose “Format Axis” from the context menu that appears to remove the axis labels. A dialog box will open. Close this box by choosing “None” from the “Axis Labels” drop-down menu.
How to read a radar chart
Follow these steps to read a radar chart:
1. Identify the category each axis represents
Determine which category of data each axis on the radar chart represents by looking at the chart. For instance, if an employee’s sales metrics are represented by a radar chart, the categories might include lead response time, customer acquisition cost, customer lifetime value, monthly new leads, and time spent selling.
2. Determine how each category relates to the others
You can determine how each category relates to the others in terms of scales of measurement once you know which category each axis of the radar chart represents. It’s possible that these scales will apply to every category equally. However, the radar chart can also display data using various quantification methods.
Determining how the categories relate to one another generally depends on knowing whether each category employs the same scales of measurement. The scales of computation, for instance, are different when using the same radar chart from the first step because some metrics are measured by time while others are determined by cost or value.
3. Focus on the full shape created
It’s time to examine the overall radar chart shape that was produced by connecting each data point. You can determine which particular data points are extremely high or extremely low in comparison to the other data points by looking at the overall shape.
4. Read around the wheel
Finding the point at the end of each line in the shape allows you to analyze individual data after reviewing the entire shape. Typically, the center of each wheel represents the “zero” location, and the higher the quantity is for that data group, the closer a point is to the edge of the chart.
5. Compare data
To compare data on a radar chart, there are two main approaches that you can take. The first is to arrange several separate radar charts next to one another and compare their shapes to search for outliers. The alternative method is to compare shapes by placing them side-by-side and adjusting the opacity so you can see each one.
It might be preferable to use the first method if you need to compare multiple shapes. It might be simpler to use the layover method if you only need to compare two or three shapes.
FAQ
What is a radar chart used for?
Using radar charts, you can compare two or more things or groups based on a variety of features or traits. Compare two antidepressants, for instance, based on aspects like their effectiveness for treating severe depression, the frequency of specific side effects, how they interact with alcohol, how long they continue to provide relief, how much they cost the consumer, etc.
How do you analyze a radar chart?
There are three main types of radar charts: simple radar charts, marked radar charts, and filled radar charts.
What is another name for a radar chart?
A spider chart, web chart, star chart, cobweb chart, Kiviat diagram, polar chart, or irregular polygon are additional names for it.
