When you want to create a chart that tracks your progress towards reaching a goal – e.g. Monthly Sales Goal – use a Thermometer Chart in Excel. This is a fairly easy chart to create. However, there are a few “got’cha” steps along the way to avoid. Here are the key points to consider when creating a thermometer chart in Excel:
- Base the chart on one cell. This cell contains the formula =”month to date number” / goal – formatted as a percentage.
- Be sure to clearly separate this one cell from the other cells – e.g. insert a blank row about the formula cell.
- Begin with a Column Chart Type.
- Format your Vertical Axis on the chart – the percentage values. Set the Minimum Value to be “fixed” at 0.0 and the Maximum Value to be “fixed” at 1.0
- Add a Data Label to your chart – there are several options for placing this on the chart.
- Continue to format your chart as desired.
Follow this link if you want to watch this video in High Definition, Full Screen Output.
You can learn more about creating and formatting charts on my DVD, “The 50 Best Tips for Excel 2007.” Click here to add this to your secure shopping cart.
Link to this post!
