How to Create a Hierarchical Chart

Show nested data relationships and comparison visually with Treemaps and Sunburst Charts.

How to create a Hierarchical Chart in the Advanced Chart Builder

1

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

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 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.

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.

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.