How to Create and Use Gauge Charts?

Data visualization is a basic necessity, especially in the current realm. Considering the fact that there are huge volumes of data generated across industries, every business stakeholder is on the lookout to find a reliable rule that can enable them to extract sense from the data. Identifying pain points from your data sets can be tough, especially if you do the work manually.

The rise and development of data visualization have made this easier, helping data analysts and business stakeholders extract meaningful information from data. With data visualization, different types of charts and graphs are used in the process to extract meaningful information from boring data sets. This means that you need to learn how to use these tools in order to get the information you are looking for.

Before looking at suitable charts to help you during data visualization, you need to identify the type of story you want to travel and the nature of your market audience. Using my technical language to communicate with a non-technical audience makes it difficult for you to pass your message to your readers. The type of chart you use will determine the nature of the data output and the story you tell your audience.

The gauge chart is one of the data visualization tools used to present data visually. This is one of the most popular tools most business owners and data analysts use to visualize technical data sets and convert them into attractive visuals that are pretty simple to read and grasp. Despite the popularity of the gauge chart, not everybody understands how this chart type operates and how it can help them achieve their data visualization objectives.

This article describes everything you need to know about gauge charts and how to create one that reciprocates your data. Stick to this article to the end for more information.

What is a Gauge Chart?

A gauge chart, also known as a dial chart, is a data visualization tool that is used to display a single value of data in a quantitative manner. The chat looks exactly like a speedometer, making it easier for data visualization since you can easily detect the major data points at first glance. It comes with attractive colors that make it easier to interpret and focus on a single data point.

Business owners mostly use it to visualize the progress of their projects and the efforts made by different departments within the organization. When you set a target and are working towards achieving it, you can use a gauge chart to help you evaluate every step you make and how far you are from reaching your goal. The chart is divided into different segments to make visualization easier since you can easily focus on specific data points at a time.

The chart is mostly used in executive dashboards to help monitor activities' progress across the entire organization. It is also a suitable option to use in circumstances where the expected value is already known. Business managers use it to determine where they stand in business based on certain metrics under visualization.

Advantages of Using Gauge Charts

Gauge charts are most effective when it comes to capturing the attention of your audience. When looking for a data visualization tool with impeccable graphics and easier to translate, the gauge chart has all these features packed. When you have a specific message that you intend to deliver to your market audience, you can use a gauge chart to pass the message since it is attractive and can communicate in a better manner.

The gauge chart is one of the most user-friendly types of charts that you have ever accessed. Most people are familiar with gauge charts since they are used in multiple locations to deliver important information. What makes this chat a popular option is its resemblance to a car speedometer which is a common aspect in our daily life. The type of data delivered with a gauge chart is highly valued due to its reputation.

Considering the fact that the chart is used to display a single important data point makes it is extremely easy to create and use. All you need is to have the right tool to create graph and access to accurate information that you intend to deliver to your readers. The tool you use in the process will make work easier or more difficult, depending on your choice. Ensure you have access to the right tools with a successful track record of creating gauge charts.

The chart has a friendly user interface that makes it easier to interpret and read the message delivered. The colors used on the chat make it easier for you to drive the right message to your audience, depending on the nature of your data. Most business stakeholders prefer this chart over others since it is a better option for delivering critical data points and measuring business progress.

When to Use the Gauge Chart?

Given that the gauge chart is easier to create and interpret, it is used in multiple circumstances across industries. Considering the operating nature of the gauge chart, it is mostly preferred to use when looking to acquire simple insights. It is not a suitable option to use when you want to answer hidden data insights from massive data sets.

When visualizing progressive information, the chart can help you visualize the change occurring at every point. The chat can help you visualize the data against time to determine the impact time has on the data from one level to the other. After generating the data, you can compare the results based on different time periods to help you determine what is causing the change.

When targeting specific data metrics during data visualization, you can use this chart to help you monitor its progress. You can also decide to monitor the metrics based on time, among other key factors depending on the data. When working towards achieving a specific goal and you want to monitor the progress you are making after every given time, the gauge chart can help you keep track of all your activities and display the progress you have made.

How to Create a Gauge Chart?

A gauge chart is one of the easiest data visualization tools that you can create in a shorter period. It only takes a few minutes of your time, provided you have access to the required tools and data. When you want to create the chart, ensure that you have properly defined your metrics. A gauge chart it's not easy to understand if you do not have a clear context of what you are doing. Start by defining the matrix you intend to visualize to make your work easier.

This is one of the charts that come in varying shapes depending on the nature of the data you visualize and the context you intend to use it. Ensure that you pick the best style of a gauge chart to make data visualization and enhance the accuracy of the output. Once you understand the metrics you want to visualize, the next step is to pick on the ship that reciprocates your data and your final objective.

Considering that humans are likely to absorb information, especially when delivered visually, you need to use colors properly. The colors you choose will help reinforce information delivery and emphasize the kind of data you are visualizing. However, colors can make or break your data, depending on your use. When you use the right colors, readers will find it easier to grasp the information delivered within a shorter period.

The tools you use also significantly impact the final data output since they contribute to the accuracy and efficiency of the data collected. For instance, Excel is one of the best tools to utilize when creating a gauge chart. However, it does not have the default option to create the chart. All you need is to find a reliable Excel add-on with this chart type and integrate it into the software. This will help you create the chart within a few minutes.

Final Takes

A gauge chart offers better features for data visualization, which makes it an ideal option in most circumstances. However, it only works well when you want to visualize a single data point at a time. It's pretty simple to read and comprehend since it does not involve technical aspects that require technical expertise. It can be used by newbies since it has a friendly interface to navigate.

Excel is an ideal tool for creating a gauge chart since it offers a shorter route. Provided you can access a powerful third-party application, you can easily compose the gauge chart from your data.