The first step to creating a chart is to add data to the data sheet. When you insert a Mekko Graphics chart on a PowerPoint slide, the data sheet will automatically open. Notice that it is populated with dummy data. Next, type your data over the dummy data or paste it in from another source. For example, you can copy data from Excel and paste it into the Mekko Graphics data sheet.

Alternatively, you can create the chart direct from Excel. Highlight the data in Excel and choose Chart in PowerPoint under Mekko Graphics in Excel menu. Next, select a chart type and then click on a PowerPoint slide to insert the chart. Now the chart will be linked to the Excel data. This makes it easier to update your charts if the data changes. Read How to create a chart from Excel data to learn more.

Data Structure

Here are some tips to help you learn how to organize your data for charts.

  • Rows in your data become series for a chart and columns become bars.
  • Use the dummy data in the data sheet as a guide for how to structure your data.
  • You do not need to have data in every cell of the data sheet. For example, you can create stacked bars that have different series by including data in just the relevant cells of the data sheet.

Data sheet for a stacked bar chart

  • If your data is not organized with rows as series and bars as columns, you can flip it without using Paste Special Transpose. Just click on the Switch Bars and Series icon next to the Close button at the top of the data sheet. Note that the data will not change in the data sheet. Here's an example of the data sheet for a marimekko chart where we used Switch Bars and Series to flip the data:

Chart Data Sheet Image

Here's the chart.

Marimekko Chart of Restaurant Transaction Value by Deal and Restaurant Segment

Download our chart gallery in PowerPoint or Excel to see the data structure for each of the charts.