Slicers is a very useful but underutilized tool in Excel. You can dynamically filter your pivot tables and pivot charts with animated buttons, aka slicers. For more information on slicers, you can check this short article.

Now let’s see how to build an Interactive Excel KPI Dashboard using pivot table tools:

I prepared a summary data for 4 departments; welding, cutting, assembly and packing. KPI’s for these 4 departments are selected as efficiency, productivity and scrap rate. Data set includes values for 12 months (4x3x12=144 rows). Here is how data set looks:

Select all the data and insert a pivot table. Arrange fields as shown below (Don’t look for Rest field at this point. We are going to add it in next step):

Click on the pivot table to activate it and add a calculated field from the menu shown below:

Set calculated field parameters as shown below and we will have an additional field in our pivot table to use for our charting needs:

Set KPI filter as “Productivity” and make 2 copies of the pivot table (by copy and paste). Set KPI filter for those tables as “Efficiency” and “Scrap Rate”. Here is how it is supposed to look:

Insert a donut chart for each of these pivot tables. Cut them and paste them to another sheet. Format your charts to look like this:

To do this, right-click on any gray button on the chart and select “Hide All Field Buttons on the Chart”. Delete chart title and legend. Then click on the donut and set shape outline to “No Fill”. Set shape color separately by clicking on them and selecting color.

Now make another copy of the first chart and arrange fields as shown below:

When finished, make 2 copies of this pivot chart too:

Now merge 3 cells and type “=B5” (without bracelets). B5 is the cell that contains result value of first pivot table (you can see from previous picture). Make sure to disable gridlines here. Then select your merged cell and copy it. Then paste it, as linked picture, to the sheet that has your donut charts. And drag it over related chart.

We are finished our donut charts at this point. It is time for our column charts. We need a 3 column data table for each of our column charts. Here is how I do it:

Place a 3 column grid just under the second set of pivot tables. First row will contain column titles. First column will contain month names. Remaining 2 columns will be filled by formulas. Here are the formulas:

Result Column Formula:

=SUMIFS(Sheet1!$E:$E;Sheet1!$A:$A;Sheet2!$A$14;Sheet1!$B:$B;Sheet2!$B$11;Sheet1!$D:$D;Sheet2!$A20)

This formula fetches result values based on department and KPI values selected on the pivot table above and month name in first column. You can see how to use this function from here SUMIFS FUNCTION.

Selection Column Formula:

=IF(A20=$A$15;B20;NA())

This formula checks selected month on the pivot table above and shows result value from 2nd column if month matches. If it doesn’t match, it shows #N/A.

Here are the tables I prepared:

Now select first table and insert a column chart. For formatting:

• Double-click on the orange column and set is as secondary axis.
• Set Series Overlap and Gap Width to 100%
• Delete both axes, chart title, legend and grid lines.
• Change column colors and set Shape Outline for the chart as “No Fill”

Here is how your chart should look like after all these make-up:

Do the same for other tables (other KPI’s), you can also copy chart formatting to do this faster. Then place these chart next to your donut charts:

Now comes the interactivity part. Click on your first donut chart and insert a slicer from INSERT ribbon. Select Month Name as field. Make sure settings are made as shown below:

You should check whether your slicer works correctly, by clicking on its buttons. If it doesn’t change charts, it is most likely because of report connections. You can correct this issue from there. Insert slicer for other KPI’s (chart pairs) too.

Now customize you slicers as a 3×4 button grid with button height and width as 1,2cmx1,2cm. Change colors to match with your charts. You can see how to do this from Customize Slicers. Here is how it should look like:

Add a final slicer for departments. You can do this by clicking on any of the charts and inserting a slicer. This slicer must be connected to all pivot tables.

Place it on top of your charts, add KPI texts over slicers and our dashboard is done.

Data visualization is a powerful way to uncover patterns, make data-driven decisions, and communicate insights effectively. One lesser-known but highly effective chart that can transform your data’s visual appeal is the butterfly chart. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re missing out on a handy tool that can bring clarity and precision to your analysis.

This blog will unpack the beauty behind butterfly charts in Excel, explain how you can create one step by step, and share tips to make yours stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned data analyst or an Excel enthusiast, you’re sure to discover something valuable here.

Understanding the Butterfly Chart in Excel

A butterfly chart is also called a tornado chart due to its distinctive layout. It’s essentially a dual bar chart with two sets of data mirrored against each other, resembling butterfly wings. This makes it an excellent choice for comparing two variables side by side.

For instance, butterfly charts can be used to compare male versus female population data or visualize two departments’ performance metrics. They bring out contrasts clearly and help audiences grasp data relationships at a glance.

Beyond aesthetics, their practicality in analysis and reporting has made butterfly charts a preferred choice for many data professionals.

Why Use Butterfly Charts

Butterfly charts aren’t widely used, but their utility is undeniable.

1. Side-by-Side Comparison

They offer an intuitive way to compare data variables (like percentages or absolute values), making disparities or alignment between two groups instantly visible.

2. Clear Data Communication

They simplify complex data, ensuring any audience—be it executives or team members—can quickly grasp the key message.

3. Versatile Applications

From business performances to market segmentation, butterfly charts cater to multiple disciplines like marketing, HR, and socio-economic studies.

Business or IT professionals handling a large dataset should consider this chart the next time they need to condense an impactful comparison into one visually appealing display.

How to Create a Butterfly Chart in Excel

Creating a butterfly chart in Excel isn’t as complicated as it looks. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide to getting started.

Step 1: Structure Your Data

Organize your dataset to include three columns. The first column represents categories (e.g., Age Groups), while the next two columns store your comparative data variables (e.g., Male and Female Populations).

Step 2: Create a Clustered Bar Chart

Highlight your two comparative data columns and insert a clustered bar chart from the Insert tab in Excel.

Step 3: Modify Axis Values

Next, edit one of the datasets to display its values in reverse order. Select the relevant axis, click “Format Axis,” and choose “Values in Reverse Order.”

Step 4: Align Bar Charts Symmetrically

Adjust the bar chart overlap and gap width settings to create a mirrored “butterfly” effect. You can find these settings by selecting the chart, clicking Format Data Series, and tweaking the values.

Step 5: Label Your Chart

Add titles and labels to ensure the data is both clear and impactful. Consider using contrasting colors for the two data groups to make the visualization more digestible.

There you have it—a perfectly symmetrical butterfly chart ready for your analysis.

Make Your Butterfly Chart Work Smarter

Your chart should do more than look good—it should work efficiently for your audience. Here are three best practices to maximize impact.

1. Focus on Duality

Always use butterfly charts where duality exists in data. Think paired comparisons like profit vs. expenses, male vs. female, or before vs. after metrics.

2. Don’t Overcomplicate

Keep your visuals clean and clutter-free. Avoid using too many categories or labels, which could overwhelm the audience.

3. Leverage Colors Wisely

Use a consistent palette that contributes to your storytelling. Choose contrasting yet subtle colors for each side of the butterfly to make the differences more noticeable.

Adopting these practices can elevate your butterfly chart’s usability beyond the aesthetics, helping you craft visuals with purpose.

Real-Life Applications of Butterfly Charts

Butterfly charts are more than just pretty visuals; they can drive decisions in real-world scenarios.

1. Human Resources

HR teams can use butterfly charts to compare recruitment numbers across departments or study male-to-female workforce ratios.

2. Marketing Performance

Marketing analysts can track engagement rates on campaigns split between two demographics, such as urban vs. rural audiences.

3. Economic Studies

Economists have long applied butterfly charts to study population pyramids, highlighting demographic distribution across genders or age brackets.

These are just a few use cases where butterfly charts shine by offering clear, actionable insights straight from raw data.

Tips to Enhance Butterfly Charts

Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are endless ways to refine your butterfly charts and bring them to life.

1. Add Interactive Features

By linking your chart to a dynamic table with Excel’s slicers or drop-down menus, you can make it interactive and more engaging during presentations.

2. Utilize Conditional Formatting

Highlight specific data points that meet certain thresholds—like exceeding a budget target—to instantly draw focus where it’s needed.

3. Pair with Other Visuals

For comprehensive reporting, combine butterfly charts with supporting visuals like heatmaps or line graphs to form a cohesive narrative.

Efforts like these will ensure your charts don’t just highlight trends but also actively contribute to decision-making.

Where Butterfly Charts Are Headed

With data storytelling taking center stage in the business realm, the demand for versatile visual tools like butterfly charts will only grow. As Excel continues adding new features and users acclimate themselves to advanced visualization techniques, expect greater creative applications for these mirrored bar charts.

For forward-thinking professionals, now is the time to master designing visuals like butterfly charts to stand out in meetings, reports, and beyond.

Wrapping It All Up

Butterfly charts are a game-changer in data visualization, blending elegance with functionality. Whether you’re analyzing demographic statistics, comparing business metrics, or evaluating survey results, they provide unparalleled clarity and insight.

If you haven’t given butterfly charts a try yet in Excel, now’s your chance. The tool is right at your fingertips, waiting to transform your data analysis for good.

Take the leap, practice these steps, and elevate the way you visualize data—you won’t regret it!

Summary: The blog summarizes the methods to repair MS Excel workbook and explains various benefits that each procedure offers. It also describes a third-party Excel Repair tool for a successful recovery of data from 0 KB Excel file error message (when excel file size become 0 kb).

While attempting to access Excel workbook, if you encounter an 0 KB file error message (excel file size become 0 kb), the chances are that your file is corrupt or the version of the file you use is not compatible with the Excel edition. The error message reads as follows:

“Excel cannot open the file ‘filename.xlsx’ because the file format for the file extension is not valid. Verify that the file has not been corrupted and that the file extension matches the format of the file.”

Excel provides a few troubleshooting procedures that users may execute to repair the workbook. These workaround methods are easy to execute; however, doing so may also lead to permanent loss of data unless you are technically adept. Before following any of the recovery methods, it is recommended that you create a backup of your Excel file.

Method #1: Excel File Recovery Mode

MS Excel automatically starts File Recovery mode upon opening, when any corruption is detected in the Workbook. You can also follow the manual procedure to open the File Recovery mode if it doesn’t start automatically.

Follow the steps below to manually start the File Recovery mode:

1. Click on the File tab and then click on Open
2. Click the folder where the corrupt file exists
3. In the Open dialog box that appears, select the damaged workbook
4. Click on the arrow button available next to Open button and select Open and Repair
5. To repair maximum data from the corrupt workbook, click on Repair

If Repair fails to recover the data, select Extract Data for extracting formulas and values from the Excel workbook.

Method #2: If Workbook Opens in Excel

Revert Workbook to the Last Saved Version

In case the Workbook turns corrupt while working on it, you may not be able to save the changes. In such a scenario, you can revert the Workbook to last saved or the previous version. To do so:

1. Click on File and then click on Open
2. Double-click on the Workbook name
3. Next, click Yes to reopen

Note: You may lose the changes made recently to the Workbook as it will open without any changes that have turned Workbook corrupt.

Method #3: When Workbook Cannot Open in Excel

Set Calculation Option to Manual

If you are not able to open the Workbook in Excel, then attempt to change the calculation setting to manual from automatic as it may open in Excel as it cannot be recalculated thereafter.

1. Click on the File tab and then click on New
2. Click on the Blank workbook available under New
3. Next, click on File and then select Options
4. Under Calculation Options in the Formulas category, select Manual and then OK
5. Next, click on File and then click on Open
6. Search and find the corrupt Workbook and then double-click to open

Method #4: Use External References

You may try using external references to link to the damaged workbook; however, it will help retrieve only data from the Workbook. Other contents such as calculated values and formulas can be dropped for retrieval. The entire procedure to use external references to links to the corrupt workbook is considerably complicated and hence requires someone with a good technical know-how.

Method #5: Save from Backup

If a backup is available, you can access your lost data if the workbook turns corrupt. To automatically restore the backup, follow the steps below:

1. Click on File and then click on Save As
2. Click on Computer and select the Browse button
3. In the then appeared Save As dialog box, select the arrow sign available next to the Tools button. Then select General Options.
4. In the General Settings dialog box that appears, check the box associated with Always create backup box

Method #6: Third-Party Recovery Assistant

You may also opt for third-party applications to resolve your Excel file 0KB issue. Not only would they resolve all types of XLS and XSLX issues, but their easy to use interface allows for a seamless recovery. Stellar Phoenix Excel Repair is one such software. With it, you can simply repair the file from any type of corruption, from smaller to a higher level. All the contents of the Excel workbook such as charts, rules, properties, texts, engineering formulas, etc. can be restored back on the machine effortlessly.

The recovery procedure is simple to execute. This Excel Repair software can be run on all the versions of Windows OS. It supports all versions of Excel, from the oldest to the most recent editions.

The tool is simple to execute and doesn’t require you to have any specific technical expertise. It easily resolves the 0KB Excel file issue and retrieves the corrupt data. All recovered data is saved in a new file at the desired location while the older files remain intact.

The Way Forward

MS Excel is an indispensable part of a professional day-to-day life. With it, managing and analyzing data to support your decision-making and other business outcomes becomes easy. Therefore, its importance cannot be discounted. It is always recommended to take preventive measures to safeguard your Excel files from turning corrupt; however, if it becomes corrupt, then employing a secure and reliable tool is recommended.