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Last Updated: Wed Nov 13 2024
By: Prokhor Sikder
In 7 simple steps, this guide will show you how to make a Pareto chart in Google Sheets.
Visualizing the most significant factors in your dataset is straightforward with this method.
So let’s dive in and create a Pareto chart in Google Sheets!
Steps:
First, gather your data in a Google Sheet.
Suppose you manage a retail store and have collected data on customer complaints over the past month.
Your table might have two columns: “Complaint Type” and ‘Frequency’.
To calculate the cumulative percentage, add another column. In the first cell of this new column (e.g., G2), enter:
=F2/SUM($F$2:$F$6)
Format these cells as percentages by selecting them and clicking on the "Format as Percent" button in the toolbar or navigating to Format > Number > Percent.
To enhance the readability of your chart, make some customizations:
In the Chart Editor under the ‘Customize’ tab, adjust the ‘Series’ option.
Ensure the “Cumulative Percentage” data series is set to use the right axis.
This will display your frequencies as bars and the cumulative percentage as a line on the same chart.
For those who find visual data representation helpful, similar techniques can be used when learning how to create a heat map in Google Sheets, where color gradients can highlight patterns or outliers in your data.
Your Pareto chart is now ready! The complaints are ranked by frequency with a cumulative percentage line indicating the proportion of complaints accounted for as you move down the list.
This visual representation helps you identify the most frequent complaints and prioritize which issues to address first.
Creating a Pareto chart in Google Sheets is straightforward with these steps.
By visualizing your data in this manner, you can easily identify and focus on the most significant factors impacting your processes.
Finished!