# How to Create a Waterfall or Heatmap Chart

### How to create a Waterfall or Heatmap 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:

* **Waterfall**: One categorical variable + one numeric metric per step (positive or negative change)
* **Heatmap**: Two categorical variables + 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 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.
  {% 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 %}

### 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.


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