Marimekko charts are a powerful yet underutilized chart type that allows you to visualize multiple variables simultaneously. Their color-blocked design allows Marimekko charts to reveal insights and patterns across complex datasets. In this guide, you’ll learn what Marimekko charts are, when to use them, and how to create stunning Marimekko charts in PowerPoint.
What is a Marimekko Chart?
A Marimekko chart displays categorical data across two axes, dividing a rectangle into proportional colored segments. The width of each block represents the value for that combination of variables. Marimekko charts are also known as mosaic plots or matrix charts. Key features include:
- Two categorical axes divide data into colored rectangles
- Block width proportional to the value
- Ability to show multiple variables at once
- Reveals patterns, correlations, and relationships
- Clean and visually appealing style
Marimekko charts allow you to instantly visualize the intersection of different data points, making them ideal for comparing categorical datasets. The rectangles make it easy to see which combinations are large or small.
When to Use a Marimekko Chart
Marimekko charts shine when you need to analyze the interaction between two or more categorical variables. Here are some examples of effective uses:
- Sales by product and region
- Market share by brand and demographic
- Inventory by product type and warehouse location
- Social media followers by platform and age group
- Transportation usage by method and trip purpose
The key is to uncover two or more categorical datasets with meaningful relationships or overlaps. Don’t use a Marimekko chart if you only have one data variable.
How to Create a Marimekko Chart in PowerPoint
Follow these 10 steps to make a Marimekko chart from scratch in PowerPoint:
Step 1: Organize your data in a table
First, enter your categorical data into an Excel spreadsheet or other table. Your categories should be in the columns, and your variables should be in the rows.
For example, you could have Product Categories in columns and Sales Regions in rows. The values would be the sales data for each product in each region.
Step 2: Select the data
Once your data table is ready, select the data set you want to plot in the chart. Don’t select column or row headers; select only the data values.
Step 3: Insert a stacked bar chart
Go to the Insert tab in Excel and click the Stacked Bar Chart button to turn the selected data into a stacked bar chart. This will automatically plot each data variable as stacked bars grouped by the categories.
Step 4: Copy the chart
With the new stacked bar chart selected, copy it to your clipboard. Right-click the chart and choose Copy, or use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+C.
Step 5: Paste into PowerPoint
Open your PowerPoint presentation and paste the chart you copied into a slide. You can right-click and choose Paste or use CTRL+V. The stacked bar chart will appear on your slide.
Step 6: Format the data points
Here is where the Marimekko design starts to take shape. Right-click on one of the stacked bars and choose Format Data Point. In the Format Data Point sidebar, set the Distance value to 0% to remove gaps between the stacked bars.
Step 7: Set the value axis maximum to 100
Right-click on the chart’s value axis and choose Format Axis. In the sidebar, set the Maximum value to 100. This will scale the axis to 100% rather than an arbitrary maximum value.
Step 8: Delete duplicate labels
The chart should now have each category label repeating on the axis. Delete the duplicate labels so there is only one of each.
Step 9: Format chart colors and styles
Customize the color palette to use highly contrasting and vibrant colors for the segments. Format the chart titles, data labels, and legend as needed.
Step 10: Arrange chart layout
Make final tweaks to the overall layout and whitespace. Your Marimekko chart is complete!
Following these steps will let you transform any categorical dataset into a sleek and modern Marimekko chart in PowerPoint. Use this visual style to uncover insights and present data stories engagingly.
Advanced Marimekko Chart Techniques
Here are some tips for taking your Marimekko charts to the next level:
- Add Animation: Bring your chart to life by animating the blocks to build up individually. This captures attention and highlights the composition of the whole.
- Use Slicers: Add Excel Slicers to let viewers interact with the data. These customizable filters enable toggling categories on and off.
- Link Data: Connect your chart directly to an Excel data source. Any updates to the numbers will automatically flow through to the visualized chart.
- Customize Width: For non-percentage data, manually adjust each block’s width ratio to highlight specific values.
- Apply 3D Effects: A 3D rotation adds depth and a unique perspective to the flat blocks. However, use it subtly to avoid distorting perceptions.
- Blend with Treemaps: Blend a Marimekko and treemap chart for hierarchical data. The treemap can represent top categories.
- Encode Extra Data: Layer colors, icons, or shapes on top of blocks to encode an additional data dimension.
- Show Changes: Use small multiples with several Marimekko charts to reveal patterns and changes over time.
- Creative Backgrounds: Use the chart for text, photos, or other elements to maximize visual impact. The colors shine through.
With creative thinking, you can build truly unique Marimekko charts that bring your data to life. Take your PowerPoint skills up a notch with these advanced techniques.
Conclusion
Marimekko charts provide an eye-catching way to visualize relationships between multiple categorical datasets. Anyone can create powerful Marimekko charts in PowerPoint by following the step-by-step guide. Experiment with the advanced design tips to customize your Marimekko charts and uncover compelling data stories. With the right data, Marimekko charts enable engaging data-driven presentations.