Marimekko Chart

Today’s guide will be on how to create a Marimekko Chart in Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft365.

To learn more about building advanced charts using Microsoft Excel, visit our chart templates section.

Marimekko Chart: The Basics

The Marimekko chart provides a quick overview of the market share and has a decision-preparation role. The chart is for creating market segmentation maps using easy-to-understandable visualization. Looking at the Marimekko chart, you can identify the possible opportunities and threats.

Steps to create a Marimekko chart in Excel:

Steps to create Marimekko Chart in Excel

If you are working with Excel, there are some limitations with built-in chart types. For example, the Marimekko chart is completely missing, so you need to prepare the chart manually or use custom add-ins to create a mekko chart quickly.

You can download our ready-to-use chart template here.

#1: Prepare data and create a helper table

Before deep diving into the details, we need to prepare data and create a helper table. It is not rocket science. Select the B2:G6 range and copy each row using the mentioned steps below:

Prepare data and create a helper table

#2: Append the helper table with zeros

Now append the helper table with dummy data. Enter 0% values in each blank row in the range.

Append the helper table with zeros

#3: Use custom number format in the helper column

In this step, insert a new column before column J. Afterward, apply a custom number format for all cells in the range. To do that, select the cells that you want to format. Then, right-click on the selection and choose “Format Cells”.

Use custom number format in the helper column

Under the Number Group, select Custom, then enter 0″% “. Finally, click OK to close the window.

#4: Calculate and add segment values

The main characteristic of the Marimekko chart is that the column widths represent the market share. In our example, apply the following calculations to column I.

  • I6 and I8 =SUM($C$3:$C$3)*100
  • I10 and I12 =SUM($C$3:$C$4)*100
  • I14 and I16 =SUM($C$3:$C$5)*100

Type 0% in cell I4 and enter the formula =SUM($C$3:$C$6)*100 to cell I18.

After the calculations mentioned earlier, our table looks like the below:

Calculate and add segment values for relative market share

#5: Set up the horizontal axis values

We’ll separate the chart’s columns to create a better look for the Marimekko chart. To do that, copy the given values and build the following structure.

setup marimekko chart horizontal axis values

#6: Calculate midpoints

We have a few empty cells in column I; these play an important role in label positioning. To calculate the averages for segments, use the calculations below.

For example, to calculate the midpoint for the Region “East”, apply the formula:

=I5 =(I4 + I6)/2

Following this logic, the midpoints are: 13%, 45%, 75% and 93%.

calculate midpoints for marimekko chart

#7: Add labels for rows and columns

To create the labels for the segments, we have to join two cells that contain different data types. Enter the formula in cell O5:

=B3&TEXT(C3, ” (#%)”)

Copy the formula down to create the group labels for other regions.

marimekko chart add labels for rows and columns

Create the labels for all quarters!

Copy the data from the range D3:G3 to D6:G6.

After this step, our table is ready to create a Marimekko chart.

Create the labels for all quarters

#8: Insert a stacked area chart

Steps to insert a stacked area chart:

  • Highlight the range I2: O19. The selected range contains the helper column, the quarters, the label markers, and the group labels.
  • Select the Insert Tab on the ribbon
  • Choose the “Insert Line or Area Chart” section
  • Under the 2-D Area Group, select the stacked area chart type
Insert a stacked area chart

#9: Change series chart type for segments

Select the “Label Marker Series” (in the example, the dark-grey area of the chart). Next, right-click and select the “Change Series Chart Type”.

Change marimekko chart series chart type for segments

After clicking “Change Series Chart Type…” a “Change Chart Type” window will appear. We can change the current chart type under the “Choose the chart type and axis for your data series” section.

Select the “Label Marker” row from the Series Names list and change the chart type from stacked area chart to line chart with markers. Click OK.

prepare marimekko chart to change stacked area chart to line chart

#10: Add and Format labels

To create Labels, select the data points of the line chart series. Next, right-click to open the context menu, then choose the “Add Data Labels” option.

select the line chart series and add data labels

Select the data labels, right-click, then choose “Format Data Labels..

format data labels

Here are the steps to align custom segment data labels:

  1. Navigate to the Labels Options Tab
  2. Click on the “Values From cells” checkbox
  3. The “Data Label Range” window will appear; browse the range
  4. Select the range that contains the labels; in the example, range $O$3 : $O$19
  5. Click OK to close the window
To align custom segment data labels, do the following

Under the “Label Contains” section on the right side pane, remove the selection from the “Value” box.

Finally, under the “Label Position” Group, select “Above”.

select range to format data labels

Result:

aligned labels on the marimekko chart

#11: Remove the line chart from the chart area

Because all labels are aligned, it’s time to hide the line chart.

Select the series, right-click, and choose “Format Data Series”.

remove the line chart series

Select “No line”, and hide the marker by checking the none box under the Marker options.

#12: Format horizontal axis

To transform the current chart into a Marimekko chart structure, select the horizontal axis and make some changes under the “Axis Options“. Select the “Axis Type” and pick “Date Axis“. Set 10 for major and minor units.

format horizontal axis for marimekko chart

#13: Format vertical axis

Please take a look at the vertical axis and select it. Then, choose “Axis Options”. Then, under the Bounds group, Maximum field, type =1.

format vertical axis

#14: Create labels for market share segments

The method is the same as in step 10. Repeat these steps for all Quarters!

Create labels for market share segments

We have only one step left, split the Marimekko charts groups.

#15: Split and separate areas using borders

Finally, we’ll apply borders for better readability.

Select the group that you want to separate. Then, right-click on it and select the border color from the “Outline” menu. Next, choose the line weight from the “Weight” menu.

Split and separate marimekko chart areas using borders

Download Excel Marimekko Chart Template

You can download the practice file that contains the Marimekko Chart Template. We recommend you follow our guide and modify the chart if necessary.

Download

Marimekko Chart Add-in for Excel

We provide automated solutions to create Marimekko charts in a single click if you are working with complex charts.

Select the range that you want to visualize. The add-in generates the chart asap with some additional information. Read more about the chart utility.

Thanks for being with us today. We’ll continue our data visualization adventures soon.

Additional resources:

Istvan Vozar

Istvan is the co-founder of Visual Analytics. He helps people reach the top in Excel.