Radar charts, also known as spider charts, are one of the most versatile tools for visualizing multivariate data. They enable you to quickly compare several metrics and discover patterns, gaps, or strengths in datasets. With Excelkits ' free radar chart maker, you can go beyond the basics, creating polished, professional charts that tell a compelling story—no advanced technical skills required.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into radar charts, exploring when to use them, how to create them, and how Excelkits simplifies the process to get the best results.

What is a Radar Chart?

A radar chart is a circular graph used to display data across multiple variables. The axes radiate out from a single point, with each axis representing a metric or category. They connect the data points that are plotted on each axis to create a multi-dimensional shape called a polygon. The shape of the polygon provides a visual representation of the relationships and strengths among variables, making it easy to interpret complex data quickly.

If you're looking to identify any outliers and trends, compare multiple datasets, or highlight strong and weak areas, radar charts are especially effective. This visual clarity transforms raw data into actionable insights, making radar charts a powerful tool in business, education, and analytics.

What is the Difference Between a Radar Chart and a Spider Chart?

The terms "radar chart" and "spider chart" are often used interchangeably because they both define a circular graph from which multiple data points are plotted on separate radiating axes. Radar chart is the most formal and common term, but both mean the exact same thing. You may also see this type of graph called a radar graph, spider graph, star chart, web chart, star plot, polar chart or Kiviat diagram.

When to Use a Radar Chart?

Radar charts are a visually engaging alternative to bar charts, allowing us to compare multiple variables on one chart. This unique way of formatting highlights patterns, relationships, and areas of improvement, making it indispensable across a variety of applications.

• Performance Reviews: A team leader can use a radar chart to assess individual team members on skills such as communication, technical ability, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Product Comparison: Businesses can use radar charts to compare competing products across features like price, durability, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.
• Survey Analysis: Organizations conducting customer satisfaction surveys can visualize feedback categories like responsiveness, product quality, pricing, and delivery time.
• Market Analysis: Companies can evaluate their competitive position in the market by comparing brand attributes such as innovation, customer loyalty, marketing reach, and environmental sustainability.
• Team Metrics: Radar charts are useful for mapping team skills or competencies when planning projects.

How to Create Your Own Radar Chart

Creating a professional radar chart is easier than you might think, especially with the help of tools like Excelkits . Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Define Your Variables and Data

Gather your data into a table format (like Excel or Google Sheets). Ensure your data is consistent across all variables for accurate comparisons.

2. Choose a Radar Chart Maker

A radar chart can be created from scratch in applications such as Excel or Google Sheets. However, to make the process faster and smoother, you can use Excelkits ' dedicated radar chart tool. This tool simplifies the creation process and offers advanced customization options, including the use of pre-designed templates.

3. Input and Visualize Your Data

With Excelkits , you can enter your data manually or upload it directly from an Excel spreadsheet, Google Sheets, or a CSV file. Excelkits will automatically plot your data points and connect them to form the radar chart.

4. Customize and Refine

Explore our collection of pre-designed radar chart templates to quickly create visually appealing charts. You can also customize your chart to match your brand or presentation style. Adjust colors, add labels, and modify the chart's appearance to effectively communicate your data.

5. Share Your Insights

Once your radar chart is complete, export it in high-resolution formats (like PNG or JPEG) for inclusion in reports and presentations. Alternatively, you'll also have the option to embed your radar graph directly into your website. Share your insights with stakeholders and use the visual representation to effectively communicate your findings.

How to Make a Radar Chart in Excel

Follow these steps to create a radar chart in Excel:

1. Input your data into a table, with variables in the first row and values for each dataset in subsequent rows.
2. Highlight your data table.
3. Go to the Insert tab and select Radar Chart from the chart options. There are three different radar chart options available: simple, radar chart with markers and filled radar chart.
4. Adjust the chart layout by modifying the scale, customizing colors, adding a title, and formatting data points.
5. Save or copy the chart into your reports or presentations for further use.

While Excel's radar chart feature is functional, it often requires additional formatting to achieve a professional appearance.

How to Make a Radar Chart in Google Sheets

Creating a radar chart in Google Sheets is straightforward:

1. Input your data into a table within Google Sheets.
2. Highlight your data and go to Insert > Chart in the toolbar.
3. Under chart type, scroll to Other and select Radar Chart.
4. Use the Customize tab to modify colors, chart style, axis ranges, and labels to fit your needs.
5. Export or embed the chart into documents or presentations as required.

While Google Sheets offers a quick solution, its customization options are more limited compared to dedicated tools.

Excelkits Free Radar Chart Maker

Excelkits allows users to create polished and professional radar charts with the click of a button. You can choose from a range of premade templates, or custom-create your radar chart by importing data from an Excel spreadsheet, Google Sheets, or a CSV file. You can adjust your labels, axis ranges, and colors to suit your needs, with theme support available, and export high-resolution images ideal for presentations, reports, or collaboration. When you sign up for the free plan, you'll have access to three embeddable widgets and up to 1,000 views a month, which is a good option for solopreneurs just getting started on their content creation journey.

Excelkits ' premium plan unlocks additional features for businesses or advanced users. These features include real-time data syncing, extended monthly view limits, and the ability to disable the Excelkits branding for a clean, professional appearance. Whether you're an individual user or a growing organization, Excelkits can provide you with scalable tools to turn your data into insights. Get started with Excelkits today.