A waterfall chart visualizes how a starting value is affected by a series of positive and negative changes, ending with a final total. It’s perfect for understanding cumulative impacts across categories or time.
Each bar connects sequentially, allowing viewers to see what drives increases or decreases in metrics like revenue, profit, or costs.
When to Use a Waterfall Chart
- Visualize revenue or profit breakdowns
- Explain step-by-step changes in financial metrics
- Track cumulative changes from baseline to result
Components
- Start/End bars: Baseline and final total
- Floating bars: Intermediate changes (additions or subtractions)
- Connecting lines: Show flow of values
Best Practices
- Label each bar to clarify value and source
- Use contrasting colors for increases and decreases
- Don’t overload with too many steps
Waterfall Charts in ClicData
- Build financial and operational breakdowns with ease
- Set data as increasing, decreasing, or totals
- Customize colors and labels for clear storytelling