My chart is too confusing

[RCMjr]

I'm trying to make a chart, but after I've worked on it a bit maybe the best thing to do is forget that idea and go with numbers only - no graphic representation. I'm going to try and attach pictures of them.

If it works, I think you'll agree that it doesn't look very good. There are too many cells with zero's in them which makes the cart busy. Maybe the thing I need to do is simply highlight the top three percentages so they stand out.

Any suggestions you can provide would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Chip

chart 1.pngChart 2.png

[6StringJazzer]

It's not confusing at all. This is a very standard type of chart. The key thing is: What do you want to communicate to your audience? Is the order of the NAICS codes important? If the order is important but you don't want to show 0 values, there are ways to manage that. Are the higher percentages more important? If so, create a Pareto chart by sorting your data in descending order of percentage. That is what is typically done with this type of data. You could also use a pie chart but I personally prefer the type of chart you have. You could also use a bar chart, which is basically your column chart turned sideways, but that might not be an improvement.

By the way, just attach your Excel file--it's easier than taking a screenshot first and then attaching that. This allows us to see your data, layout, code (if there is any), and lets us experiment with your data, formulas, and code, and possibly attach a file with a completed solution.

[RCMjr]

It's not confusing at all. This is a very standard type of chart. The key thing is: What do you want to communicate to your audience? Is the order of the NAICS codes important? If the order is important but you don't want to show 0 values, there are ways to manage that. Are the higher percentages more important? If so, create a Pareto chart by sorting your data in descending order of percentage. That is what is typically done with this type of data. You could also use a pie chart but I personally prefer the type of chart you have. You could also use a bar chart, which is basically your column chart turned sideways, but that might not be an improvement.

By the way, just attach your Excel file--it's easier than taking a screenshot first and then attaching that. This allows us to see your data, layout, code (if there is any), and lets us experiment with your data, formulas, and code, and possibly attach a file with a completed solution.

6String,

Thanks for the reply. I'll give it some more thought. Thanks, too, about the attachment
help.

Chip