Sometimes it is very useful to see the dependence of several variables on a set of other independent variables on the same graph. The easiest way to do this is with a radar chart in Excel, which is also called a web (cobweb) or a star (star-shaped).
Radar chart in Excel like a wheel with a spoke for each variable. Concentric lines connect the spokes and define the coordinate system.
Each point for each variable is built on the corresponding spokes, and these points are connected by lines. The process of creating such a chart in Excel can be very simple if you follow these steps.
Step 1: Prepare the data
The data must be prepared in the correct Excel spreadsheet format, otherwise you will have to make major changes to get a well-tuned chart. All independent variables (causes) should be placed in rows, and dependent variables (impacts) in columns. Be sure to label your variables.
In the picture above output – Support are product characteristics (independent variables), and Product A, B и C – test data (dependent variables).
Step 2: Create a chart
The next step is to select the entire prepared data. Then open the tab Insert (Insert), call the dialog box Insert a chart (Insert chart) and select Petal chart (Radarchart). The radar chart icon looks like a pentagon with dark spokes and lines connecting all the spokes to each other in a circle.
Step 3: Make it Unique
The last thing that is needed when creating such a diagram is to make it unique. Excel charts are rarely good enough right out of the box. You can change several attributes by right-clicking on the diagram. Or click on the diagram and go to the tab Working with charts | Framework (Chart Tools | Format) where you can change colors, font, shadow effects, axis labels and sizes. Be sure to label the axes and always give the chart a title.
Radar charts in Excel are sometimes difficult to understand, but they are useful when you need to show the variability of variables in several directions at once. This means that the value of one of the variables will be boosted in the Radar Chart view because it will peak much higher than the rest of the variables. All this makes the radar diagram one of the most visual, although rarely used.
Try it yourself and get another great tool to showcase your company’s complex data!
