The radar chart, sometimes called a “spider web,” is particularly effective for visually comparing multiple quantitative variables and immediately seeing where each element stands out or falls short. In this article, we explain how to build this type of chart in Excel, illustrate the different formatting options, and share some tips to get the most out of your representations.
1. Prepare Your Data
First of all, organize your data table in matrix form: each column corresponds to a series to compare (for example, quarterly performances) and each row to a criterion (cost, quality, speed, etc.). Here is a simplified example:
| Criteria | Product A | Product B | Product C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 80 | 65 | 90 |
| Quality | 75 | 85 | 70 |
| Speed | 60 | 70 | 80 |
| Ergonomics | 90 | 60 | 75 |
Make sure your values are on the same scale (0–100, 1–5 stars, etc.) to avoid any visual distortion.
2. Insert a Radar Chart
2.1 Data Selection
Simply select your entire data range, including the column headers.
2.2 Insert the Radar Circle
- Go to the Insert tab.
- In the Charts group, click on Other Charts, then choose Radar.
- You can choose the simple radar, radar with markers, or filled radar.
The chart then appears on the sheet. Excel plots each data series on the same circular axis, with a line connecting the points according to the order of the criteria.
3. Customize Your Radar Chart
To make your chart more readable and professional:
- Change colors: Select the series, then choose a suitable shade in the Chart Design tab.
- Add labels: In Layout > Data Labels, enable them to see the exact values at the vertices.
- Adjust axes: Right-click on the radial axis > Format Axis to adjust the maximum scale, tick marks, and zero position.
- Thicken the grid: In the Grid options, choose thickness or color to better distinguish the concentric circles.
4. Four Tips for a More Impactful Radar
Some additional advice to make your spider webs more striking:
- Compare few series: Beyond 4 or 5, the display can become unreadable.
- Use patterns or fills: If printing in grayscale, apply hatching or distinct grays.
- Add a clear title and legend: Facilitate direct interpretation with an explicit title and a coherent legend position (top or right).
- Reduce visual noise: Disable unnecessary lines or shadows.
5. Concrete Usage Scenarios
The radar chart is particularly well suited to several contexts:
Product evaluation: compare performance dimensions (cost, quality, ergonomics) of different ranges.
HR analysis: visualize the skills (technical, communication, leadership) of team members.
Project management: compare several indicators (budget, schedule, quality, risks) of the same project side by side.
6. Points of caution
Although visually attractive, the radar chart has some limitations:
- Not suitable for long series (too many criteria).
- Can give a misleading impression if the scales are not uniform.
- Difficult to read for an uninitiated audience.
Conclusion
The radar chart is a quick and intuitive visual comparison tool when you need to study several variables on the same basis. With a few clicks in Excel, you get a spider web that highlights strengths and weaknesses. Stay attentive to the scale and the number of series to ensure effective reading. Your turn: get started and share your feedback!
FAQ
- How to display data labels? Select the data series > Chart Design tab > Add Chart Element > Data Labels.
- Can a radar be combined with another type of chart? No, Excel does not offer a direct combination between radar and other types (bars or lines).
- Which version of Excel supports radars? Available since versions 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 365.