How to Create a Waterfall or Heatmap Chart

Use advanced layouts for depth, flow, comparison, or progression with a Waterfall or Heatmap Chart.

How to create a Waterfall or Heatmap 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:

• Waterfall: One categorical variable + one numeric metric per step (positive or negative change)

• Heatmap: Two categorical variables + 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 Waterfall or Heatmap Chart you need:

• Waterfall: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric over time by showing incremental positive and negative changes from a starting value.

• Heatmap: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric over time or space by showing values as color intensity across a matrix.

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.

Waterfall or Heatmap Chart Use Cases

Need some inspiration? Consider these examples where a Waterfall or Heatmap Chart may work well.

• Waterfall Chart

  • Explain changes in school funding from budget allocations to final balance (e.g., base budget → grants → expenses → final total).

  • Show how student enrollment has changed across semesters, highlighting gains/losses from transfers, dropouts, or admissions.

  • Analyze how various interventions affected average test scores (e.g., baseline → tutoring → curriculum update → final score).

  • Illustrate financial aid impact on tuition costs (e.g., sticker price → scholarships → grants → net tuition).

• Heatmap Chart

  • Track average test scores across subjects and semesters to spot performance trends.

  • Monitor student attendance rates by day of the week and class period.

  • Compare course pass rates across instructors and academic terms.

  • Identify usage patterns of digital platforms by hour and weekday.

Hierarchical Chart Tips and Best Practices

• Waterfall Chart

  • Make sure to clearly distinguish increases, decreases, and totals (use color or annotations).

  • Always include a starting and ending total for context.

  • Label each bar with values to improve clarity.

  • Keep it linear and focused, which works best for step-by-step storytelling.

• Heatmap Chart

  • Use a clear, perceptually uniform color scale (e.g., light to dark) to avoid misinterpretation.

  • Avoid too many unique labels. Choose to consolidate groups or simplify labels where possible.

  • Add numeric values or hover tooltips for accessibility and detail.