How to make solar projection graph for Dashboards in Excel?

Within Microsoft Excel, there are so many tools in order to improve our calculation books , that it is often difficult to know them all. One of the most complete and least exploited areas are graphic representations.

Through it it is possible to expose data, in a much more understandable and digestible way. In this case, we will deal with the projection or solar burst graph, which fulfills the function of representing the relationship between different stages or hierarchies of a system, learn more about it below.

Index(  )

  1. What is the proper way to sort data in this type of sunburst chart?
  2. What process should be followed to make a solar projection graph in Excel?
    1. From Excel on computer
    2. With the Excel application on a cell phone
  3. How to edit the colors of my solar projection chart in Excel?
  4. How can I know if my solar projection graph in Excel is correct?

What is the proper way to sort data in this type of sunburst chart?

Whether you are executing a project, evaluating financial data or simply structuring the steps of an administrative scheme, the solar projection chart serves as a very professional tool, capable of linking different rings , exposing the relationship between them.

It has a fundamental structure, and that is that the ring closest to the center is superior in hierarchy to those further from the center of the circle, which differentiates it, for example, from making a ‘Butterfly Chart’ . To get this graph within Excel it is not necessary to resort to external or complicated applications.

The same platform has an option to do it in one step, but before doing so, you must know how to supply it with the data to be evaluated, so that the result you obtain satisfies your needs. In general, the information is organized in a table and for the same item, there must be several subcategories or data.

What process should be followed to make a solar projection graph in Excel?

Surely the dynamic tables have worked for you to make an interactive bar graph , but when trying to take that data to a solar projection type graph, you have not succeeded. This is due to the fact that the platform does not currently support direct creation from this type of table, so to achieve this, it is first necessary to empty the information in a static format.

Pivot tables have elements and content that the chart does not recognize; however, you can take advantage of a simple trick that, if you handle huge amounts of information, can save you a lot of time. It is about transferring the information from a pivot table to a normal table in Excel, through the formula “IMPORTARDATOSDINAMICOS” , study a little more about it and you will understand that it is very simple.

From Excel on computer

Now, in case you want to create a pivot chart using formulas , let’s take advantage of the relationship between the pivot table and the table with formulas, to link the solar projection chart and make it interactive. Then, from your computer, it causes a slicer or data segmentation linked to the original table containing the data.

To recap, you must have the original database with all the information, generate a pivot table with the data you are interested in projecting on the graph, then create a table with a formula that contains the data from the pivot table, also create the linked slicer to the pivot table.

Thus, every time you update data in the original base, the other formats will be updated. So, to produce the sunburst graph, what you must do is, select the formula table with the information, then go to the “Insert” tab, then position yourself in “Insert hierarchy graph” , among the options displayed choose “Sun projection”.

With the Excel application on a cell phone

Although the mobile version is not as complete as the desktop version, Excel has different tools that allow you to achieve almost any type of function, with a little dedication. In this case you must start, fulfilling the following steps:

  • Download Excel from its main page , open the application with the book that contains the previously ordered data, as indicated.
  • Select the data range that contains the table with the formulation that you are interested in adding to the graph,
  • Go to the “Insert” tab, or go to “Home” and choose “Insert”. Now select the “Chart” button.
  • In the new “Graphic” tab, click on the type of “Design” that you want to give to the representation.

How to edit the colors of my solar projection chart in Excel?

Editing colors is one of the easiest steps that can be done, you have the option to configure it before or after creating the chart. Basically, what you should do is click on it and go to the “Graph Design” tab and press the “Change Colors” button.

You will find a set of combinations that work well with each other, just by selecting one, the colors of the projection will vary . Although, you can also configure your own combination and apply it, so that the colors go according to the rest of your book.

How can I know if my solar projection graph in Excel is correct?

If you have complied with all the processes and requirements to establish your solar projection graph in a dashboard, you should not have any problem in its use. In any case, test the slicer as many times as necessary , marking and unmarking lines, to verify its correct adaptation.

A very common situation is that you cannot see identifiers for certain sections of the graph, so you may think that it is an error, but the truth is that if there is no data, the graph automatically hides it. So, when there’s a section, there’s an item, which probably isn’t displayed because of a title spacing issue, you can vary the font size and see how it appears.