[Excel] How to make a dot plot with arrows

An example of how to use shapes to convey meaning in a dot plot.

Excel dot plot with arrows.

Design notes

• This chart uses shapes to convey some meaning. In this case, it’s the direction (positive or negative) of an indicator, but it can use any shape (vegetables, car brands…).

Video

Notes

• 00:05: Formula to identify “Down” values:

  =IF([@Trend]="Up",[@Val],NA())
  

• 00:18: Formula to identify “Down” values:

  =IF([@Trend]="Down",[@Val],NA())
  

• 00:30: Formula to rank values:

  =IF([@Trend]="Down",[@Val],NA())
  

• 2:00: Copy the arrow and paste it into the selected series