Thermometer charts in MS Excel

Thermometer charts are very effective ways of presenting data in MS Excel as they facilitate data analysis and reporting in a very convenient manner.


Thermometer charts are used to analyze set targets against the individual/team performances.
To make a Thermometer chart, select the table in excel file containing Sales target of managers/teams and their actual sales data.

For reference, the data is given below. You may use this data for practice purpose. 



Take the following steps in order to generate a Thermometer chart in MS Excel.


   1.  Select your data table and click insert tab.


Thermometer Charts in Excel - Click to enlarge

    2.  From the insert tab menu go to charts and select the Bar chart   option as shown below:


Thermometer Charts in Excel - Click to enlarge


      3. Once you click the Bar chart option given in step 2, you will have a bar chart ready in your excel sheet. In the bar chart, right click on any Sales target and select the option – Format data series


Thermometer Charts in Excel - Click to enlarge


    
       4. In the Format data series, under the Series option (given on the top) select secondary axis and close the window

Thermometer Charts in Excel - Click to enlarge


    
      5. In the chart area, right click the secondary axis and select delete.

Thermometer Charts in Excel - Click to enlarge

      6. Again in the bar chart, right click on any Sales target and select the option – Format data series. Under the series options set the Gap width to 364% and close the window. Your thermometer chart is ready.

Thermometer Charts in Excel - Click to enlarge


    7.Optional Step: Format your chart to make it look attractive.  Select your chart and select design tab under the Chart tools option. Select the desired color combination.


Thermometer Charts in Excel - Click to enlarge



Happy Learning!!