How to Create a Funnel Chart

Visualize progression or drop-off through stages.

How to create a Funnel Chart in the Advanced Chart Builder

1

Start with the right data

Ensure your dataset includes:

• One categorical variable representing sequential stages or levels

• One numeric value per stage or level (e.g., number of students, applicants, completions)

2

Open the Advanced Chart Builder

Open the Advanced Chart Builder from a thread or Pin to launch the builder.

3

Open the Chart tab

Select the type of Funnel Chart you need:

• Funnel Chart: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric over time by showing decreasing values across stages in a linear process.

• Cone Funnel: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric over time, with the same logic as a funnel chart but using a cone shape for visual impact.

• Pyramid: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric over time or across levels, typically arranged from broadest (bottom) to narrowest (top).

Review the live preview of your chart.

4

Go to the Setup tab

• Confirm your Category from the dropdown (e.g., department, program name, grade level)

• Add one or more Series (e.g., enrollment count, average GPA)

• Choose the appropriate aggregation (e.g., Sum, Average)

5

Apply Data Filters

Filter your data to reduce clutter, increase readability, and focus the chart on the story.

6

Customize the Chart (Optional)

Use the Customize tab to adjust the look of your chart:

• Add axis titles and chart labels

• Adjust colors, axis lines, labels, and tooltips

7

Save the Chart

Click Save when you’re ready to apply your changes, or Cancel to discard the changes.

Funnel Chart Use Cases

Need some inspiration? Consider these examples where a Funnel Chart may work well.

• Show student enrollment progress from inquiry to enrollment.

• Analyze student progression through academic interventions: at-risk → referred → tutored → passed.

• Show levels of achievement or readiness: below basic → basic → proficient → advanced.

• Visualize the retention pipeline: enrolled freshmen → returning sophomores → graduating seniors.

Funnel Chart Tips and Best Practices

• Use to highlight drop-offs between stages, such as for showing attrition or conversion over time or process.

• Keep stages clearly labeled and in logical order.

• Avoid using too many levels; 3-7 is generally ideal for clarity.

• Cone/pyramid are more stylistic alternatives.

• Ensure values decrease (or increase) appropriately from base to top (or vice versa); otherwise, use a bar chart.