When to Use a Gauge Chart

A gauge chart is used to measure progress or status over time. They can help track things such as how close you are to a goal, how much progress you’ve made on a project, or your current stock levels. A gauge chart is a type of data visualization that can show how a value compares to a set maximum or minimum.

This article will discuss when to use a gauge chart and how to create one in Excel. Keep reading to learn more.

What is a gauge diagram?

A gauge chart is a visual tool that can represent numeric data that illustrates how a particular value changes over time. Gauge charts quickly and easily compare and monitor changes in the measured variable. Gauge charts can be helpful when comparing two or more points in time or when trying to identify any trends in the data.

When should you use a gauge chart?

A gauge chart can be used to track anything from the progress of a project to the temperature outside. Gauge charts are helpful because they make it easy to see at-a-glance how a value is changing.

There are three main types of gauge charts: radial, linear, and thermometer.

Radial

Radial gauge charts use a circular graph that displays the value on the circle’s perimeter. This type of gauge chart is great for when you want to compare data points around a central point. They can be used to compare data on different axes or at different points in time. Radial charts are also great for visualizing data that has a circular or spiral pattern.

Linear

Linear gauge charts use a line graph that plots the data points evenly along the x-axis and y-axis. There are many occasions when you might want to use a linear chart. One such occasion is when you want to track how a variable changes over time. In this type of chart, each data point is represented by a line that connects the beginning and end of the period being studied. Another time you might want to use a linear chart is when you want to compare two or more variables. The lines are then placed next to each other so that you can see how the variables are compared. You can use this type of gauge chart to track anything from website traffic to product sales.

Thermometer

Thermometer gauge charts are similar to linear gauge charts but use color gradients to indicate whether a particular value is high or low. A thermometer chart is a great way to display data that changes over time and how it compares to other data. This chart can be a great way to display data broken down by category.

You often see gauge charts in dashboards and data visualizations, as they can quickly communicate whether a metric is on track or not. They can help understand how close a company is to meeting its goals, for example, or tracking a project’s progress. Gauge charts are also helpful in comparing different metrics side-by-side; this can help you see which areas need more attention to improve your overall results.

Tracking sales, website hits, or manufacturing output are all excellent use cases for a gauge chart. You may even customize a gauge chart to show the current or target values. If you need, you can also use this type of chart to show the percentage of the target that has been met. They are also a great way to visualize whether or not a goal fulfillment levels. Additionally, they can help see how close or far away you are from a goal.

Create a gauge diagram with gathered data.

There are many times when you might need to use a gauge chart. Some common uses include tracking progress towards a goal, monitoring a variable over time, or displaying data as it changes. To create a gauge chart, you first need to gather data. You must be able to plot this data on a graph. Then, you will need to choose the correct type of gauge chart to fit your data. Afterward, you will need to enter your data into the chart and customize the settings to fit your needs.

Plot the data points in a chart.

There are many ways to create a gauge chart; the best way to create one will depend on the data you want to include. In general, you will need to choose the data you want to measure and create a chart with either horizontal or vertical axes representing that data. Once you have created your chart, you can add the gauge elements to create the gauge effect.

To create a gauge chart in Excel, you will first need to gather the data. This data should be in the form of percentages or fractions. Once you have your data, follow these steps:

• Open a new Excel workbook.
• Click on the Insert tab and select the Chart button.
• From the Chart Types menu, select the Radial Gauge Chart.
• In the worksheet, select the data that you want to plot on the graph.
• Click on the Insert tab and select the Chart Data button.
• In the dialog box, select the Series tab.
• In the Series List, select the data you want to plot on the graph and click the Add button.
• Click on the Close button.
• The data will be plotted on the chart.

To customize the gauge chart, you can adjust the chart’s size, color, and shape. You can also add text labels to the chart. To do this, select the text icon next to the chart and select the text you want to add.

Why You Should Use a Gauge Chart

There are many reasons why businesses should use gauge charts. The most important reason is that gauge charts can help companies track their progress and performance. They can help enterprises see how they are doing concerning their goals and whether they are making progress or need to make changes. Gauge charts are also effective at highlighting changes in data, which is important for businesses looking to track progress over time. By seeing changes in data, companies can better identify areas that need improvement.