What you'll learn:
- Build a flexible horizontal waterfall chart from scratch that handles positive, negative, and subtotal values in any Excel version
- Create a vertical bar waterfall chart with full positive and negative value support and dynamic data labels
- Build the traditional stacked column waterfall approach including values that extend below the axis
- Add dynamic elbow connectors and delta arrows that automatically update when data changes
- Handle long category labels and variable numbers of delta values without breaking the chart layout
- Apply the Excel 2016 native waterfall chart and understand when to use it versus a custom-built approach
- Use error bar techniques and connector methods transferable to other Excel chart types
- Adapt ready-to-use waterfall chart templates for financial and non-financial management reports
Waterfall charts are one of the most requested chart types in management reporting. This course shows you how to build every variation from scratch in Excel, no add-ins or VBA required.
Most Excel users either rely on the built-in Excel 2016 waterfall chart with its limitations or use third-party add-ins that can't always deliver exactly what they need.
This course gives you the skills to build flexible, professional waterfall charts yourself in any version of Excel.
You'll learn multiple methods, understand the tradeoffs between each, and walk away with ready-to-use templates you can apply to any financial or non-financial data set.
What you'll be able to do after this course:
Build the Excel 2016 native waterfall chart and understand exactly where its limitations apply
Create a fully flexible waterfall chart from scratch that works in any Excel version
Add subtotals and handle variable numbers of delta values without breaking the chart
Handle long category labels cleanly without cluttering the visual
Add dynamic elbow connectors and moving arrows that automatically reflect total change values
Build a vertical bar waterfall chart with proper positive and negative value handling
Create the traditional stacked column waterfall approach including values below the axis
Use multiple connector methods and choose the right one for each scenario
Why build waterfall charts without add-ins:
Add-ins save setup time but limit your control. When the chart needs to look exactly right for a board presentation or the data structure doesn't fit a standard template, you need to know how to build it yourself.
Every technique in this course uses native Excel only, which means your charts work for anyone you share them with regardless of what add-ins they have installed.
What's inside:
5 sections covering every major waterfall chart variation
Horizontal and vertical waterfall methods for any Excel version
Dynamic connector and arrow techniques for polished presentation
Downloadable Excel workbook with all chart templates ready to use
PDF cheat sheets for quick reference
Version note:
Works with Excel 2007 and above. All techniques except the native Excel 2016 waterfall chart can be recreated in any version. Version-specific steps are noted within each lesson.
Taught by Leila Gharani, Microsoft MVP and trusted by 515,000+ students across 11 courses on Udemy.
Enroll now and build your first waterfall chart today.
