# How to Create a Hierarchical Chart

### How to create a Hierarchical Chart in the Advanced Chart Builder

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Start with the right data

For the chart you need, ensure your dataset includes the correct categorical and numerical fields:

* **Treemap**: One or more category + one numeric metric
* **Sunburst**: One or more category + one numeric metric
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Open the Advanced Chart Builder

Open the [Advanced Chart Builder](/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/getting-started-with-the-advanced-chart-builder.md) from a thread or Pin to launch the builder.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Open the Chart tab

Select the type of Hierarchical Chart you need:

* **Treemap**: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric at multiple levels of hierarchy.
* **Sunburst**: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric across hierarchical levels in a circular format.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 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)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Apply Data Filters

[Filter your data](/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/create-a-chart-with-the-advanced-chart-builder.md#how-to-apply-filters) to reduce clutter, increase readability, and focus the chart on the story. 
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Customize the Chart (Optional)

[Use the Customize tab](/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/customize-your-chart.md) to adjust the look of your chart:

* Add axis titles and chart labels
* Adjust colors, axis lines, labels, and tooltips
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Save the Chart

Click Save when you’re ready to [apply your changes](/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/saving-or-canceling-your-chart-edits.md), or Cancel to discard the changes. 
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Hierarchical Chart Use Cases

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

* **Treemap**
  * Show how different departments contribute to total student enrollment or credit hours.
  * Visualize school budget breakdown by category, sub-category, and allocation size.
  * Analyze test participation by grade level, then by classroom or teacher.
* **Sunburst Chart**
  * Illustrate student population distribution by region → district → school.
  * Track course completion rates by department → course → instructor.
  * Show funding sources and how they are allocated through program layers (e.g., grant → project → activity).

### Hierarchical Chart Tips and Best Practices

* **Treemap**
  * Limit hierarchy depth to 2-3 levels to keep it readable.
  * Use color strategically (e.g., by performance, funding levels) but don’t rely solely on it as the category size should do most of the storytelling.
  * Use tooltips to avoid clutter, or prioritize short labels.
* **Sunburst Chart**
  * Works best with balanced hierarchies (similar depth across branches).
  * Avoid too many outer-level categories as they can become unreadable.


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