Waterfall Chart: Recommended Style and Tips

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Use a Waterfall Chart:

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• To show how an initial value is increased and decreased by a series of intermediate values, leading to a final value;

• To effectively show gradual changes in the quantitative value of something over time.

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Recommended Style 

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1. Bars: The gap width between bars should be as minimal as possible to avoid narrow or thin bars (see charts below).

2. Color: All bars in a single chart should be the same color and shade since they measure the same variable. Highlight the important bar/s mono chromatically using a different shade of the same color. When bars of a different color are needed, use contrasting color. See approved colors. 

3. Base line: The base line of a waterfall chart should always start at zero. Negative values should appear below the zero base line.

4. Data: When the data is not time based, arrange data in the descending or ascending order. 

5. Values: When possible, remove excessive zeros from values.

6. Labeling: When appropriate, the X and Y axis should be clearly labeled. The Y axis label should be turned 90 degrees, reading from bottom to top (see chart below). The X axis should not be labeled at an angle. Font type: Calibri Light. Font size: 11.

7. Grid Lines: Grid lines should be used sparingly. When appropriate use horizontal or vertical lines, never both. 

8. Values: When possible, remove excessive zeros from values. 

9. Title: Begin your title with the portion mark classification, followed by Figure #: Title. Font style: Calibri Regular. Font size: 14.

10. Classification and Sourcing: Below the area chart, bottom left, list the overall classification of the chart and directly below the classification, list the source and source stream/s. Font type: Calibri Light Italic. Font size: 9.

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Tips

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• Do not make a bar chart 3D. 3D effects visually skews the data.

• Do not use narrow bars, they cause the eye to focus on the negative space.