
Waterfall Chart templates
What is a waterfall chart?
A waterfall chart is a type of chart used for data visualization. More specifically, it helps to show an initial figure and how that figure has been affected by sequentially introduced values - whether they be positive or negative. The final figure is then presented to show the end value.
Also known as a 'flying brick' chart, 'Mario' chart, or 'bridge', this type of data visualization tool was popularized by McKinsey and co in the latter stages of the 20th century.
The aim of a waterfall chart is to show how an initial figure is changed by positive or negative values. It is common for the initial and end values to be represented as whole columns, whereas the intermediate values are detached, and start from the value of the preceding column in the chart. Often, colour-coding is used to as a way to distinguish positive and negative data values.
Who uses waterfall charts?
Waterfall charts can be applied to a variety of areas. As they are used to present the change or transition in value of an entity, waterfall charts can be effectively applied to explain revenue or profit changes over time. Thus waterfall charts are useful for any team or business unit looking to express quantitative figures for analysis, i.e. inventory analysis. They are useful for pinpointing the factors resulting in a specific outcome.
What are the different types of waterfall chart?
Standard waterfall chart: This simply shows how certain factors lead to the end result, without major complication.
Waterfall chart with subtotals: This type of chart returns results before all the factors have been calculated in. For example, it is common for Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortization (EBITDA) to be shown as a full bar (as the start and end figures are) in an intermediary stage of the waterfall chart.
Difference analysis waterfall charts: Another use for waterfall charts is to show how different factors affected the first and last result in a specific timeframe. For example, one can compare the performance of individual business units and how they have affected the business's overall performance in sales. This can help distinguish in a clear, visual manner between which business units have been performing well, and which have been underperforming.
What are the benefits of using waterfall charts?
-Customizable, in terms of appearance as well as data
-They can be incredibly simple, while also being made complex if required
-Useful for analytics and presenting gradual changes in certain item values
-Waterfall charts are extremely flexible and can be used by a range of people, from sales teams to construction companies
-To demonstrate how one has reached a cumulative value, breaking down positive and negative value contributions.
As waterfall charts carry a certain level of complexity in creation, it is often more efficient to find ready-to-use templates. Please find these below on Eloquens.com.
To learn more about waterfall charts and their uses, please refer to these links:
- Simple and easy to use waterfall chart that would save you lots of work giving you more time to go for coffee151Discussadd_shopping_cartfree
by Dan Solomon
SaaS Revenue Waterfall Excel Chart Template
A SaaS Excel Model to help you forecast revenue waterfall in simple, automated charts.6,492Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Ben Murray
Waterfall Charts Excel Model with Linked P&L Budget
Two waterfall charts linked to a sample online retailer's P&L budget7712add_shopping_cart$3.00by Jhett Koo
Typical Cash Flow Waterfall (Excel Template and PDF manual)
Contains a typical cash flow waterfall and covers the concept of cash flow waterfall683Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby FinExMod
Waterfall Chart Excel Model
A real life example of a waterfall chart cascade in Microsoft Excel.320Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Jair Almeida
Private Equity (PE) Distribution Waterfall - Excel Model Template
This is a ready-to-use distribution waterfall made for those in private equity.1,663Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Wall Street Oasis
IRR Equity Waterfall Template Excel
Equity IRR Waterfall Template for Download JV Income Split540Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Oksana Babenka
How to Create the Excel Waterfall Chart
This tool provides a Waterfall Chart Template in Excel with fully adjustable values so that you can input your own.373Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Ben Murray
Financial Report Template: Waterfall Chart
Track your financial performance and forecast more efficiently958Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Brian Ascher
Valuation Waterfall Graph
Show your audience how the share price of a target company can be broken up in its sub-components1,282Discussadd_shopping_cartWaterfall Chart Excel Template
An effective tool for quickly working out financial changes over a period.305Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Brian Weisberg
Preferred Return - Annual Waterfall - Includes Shortfall Repayment Option and More
A 10-year tool to help split cash flows between a sponsor and investor pool based on a defined 'true' preferred return.241Discussadd_shopping_cart$40.00by Jason Varner
2 Hurdle Preferred Equity Waterfall - Repay Equity>Attain ROI Target
A dynamic joint venture waterfall model with 3 cash flow splits across 2 hurdles. Up to 10 years on an annual basis.95Discussadd_shopping_cart$95.00by Jason Varner
Horizontal Waterfall Chart
A smart and efficient chart with detailed step-by-step instructions84Discussadd_shopping_cart$7.00by Andrei Okhlopkov
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