MicroCharts for Excel 2000, XP and 2003

MicroCharts for Excel 2000, XP and 2003
This tutorial explains how to start using MicroCharts to help you visualizes time series
data with Microsoft Excel 2000, XP and 2003. The best way to understand MicroCharts is
to start using it. The following examples shows how easy it is to incorporate MicroCharts
in your Excel reports.
Introduction
MicroCharts enables you to understand complex relationships in your data with
sparklines. Invented by information design guru, Edward Tufte, sparklines are tiny charts
with an intensity of visual distinctions comparable to words and letters. When placed in an
Excel cell, sparklines dramatically improve data visualization for fast, effective parallel
comparisons.

A quick example:
The following shows a typical budget report:

Add a column with sparklines and you can immediately compare the categories over time
whilst still having the detailed data available: BonaVista Systems MicroCharts for Excel 2000, XP and 2003

In a classical budget report chart, you only see one chart at a time. This makes it difficult
to identify trends and similarities. Sparklines help you compare trends and patterns at a
glance using minimal screen space.

A single cell showing one figure consumes 1000 pixels of screen real estate. A sparkline
consuming the same amount space could visualize 20 values! Since MicroCharts are
created from fonts, you can adjust the size without losing quality.

MicroCharts and Excel Dashboards ...