Complex graph - how to create?

Question

Hi all-

I'd like to create the graph describe below (read to the bottom- the first image is the easy one). I suspect it would be easier to just fake it in powerpoint, but I'd like to be able to change the values easily during development of these graphics, so I was trying to do this in Excel.

Picture 1: a stacked column chart, with lines added (using the built in lines feature). This shows a current and future state, and the transition (lines).

What I'd like to do is create subgoals (weekly or otherwise). The goals will be an equal proportion of the gap between current and future state for each item. Then, I need to be able to indicate when each *subgoal* has been reached (regardless of when it is actually achieved; the idea here is to track progress to the goal)

So the second and third images below show two incremental updates, where certain targets have been achieved. In retrospect, the example itself may not be intuitive because how you split your hours could change (better or worse) all the time, but hopefully this gives you the general idea.

I tried making the subgoals with stacked lines which looked ok, but that doesn't give me the ability to color code completion of the subgoals as individual "boxes".

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Hi KERATL,

Thank you for your query in the community.

According to your description, my understanding is that you want to create a graph to show incremental updates of the current and future state. Seems you also want to color the individual boxes of subgoals.

Please allow us some time to do test and investigations to see if it is possible to create this kind of graph in Excel. We will post back as soon as we have any update. Appreciate your time and patience.

In addition, community members are welcome to share any insights here.

Best regards,

Tina

Answer 2

Hi KERATL,

Sorry for the late response. After consulting and research, I'm afraid it's not available and not suitable to create subgoals with the chart in Excel.

You may try using Project, create project and create tasks for each activity, set duration for your task then track progress of your schedule.

I suggest you read the following articles to know detailed information about how to creating project:

Create a new project

Create a project in Project

Project management goal: Track progress

How Project schedules tasks: Behind the scenes

Hope above can help you.

Best regards,

Tina

Answer 3

Hi KERATL,

If you have any update, feel free to write back.

Thanks,

Tina