How to
How to make a radar chart
A radar chart compares several qualities at once. Each quality gets an axis that starts at the center, the axes are spread evenly around a circle, and each item you compare becomes a closed shape. A big, even shape means strong all round; a dent shows a weak spot.
- List the axes. Put one quality per row in the first column, such as Communication, Teamwork and Creativity. You need at least three.
- Add a series for each item. Each further column is one person, product or option. Name them under Series; up to eight fit on one chart.
- Or paste a table. Copy the block from Excel or Google Sheets with the qualities down the side and the items across the top, then press Paste from a spreadsheet.
- Set the scale. Type the value at the center and at the outer ring, such as 0 and 10 for ratings out of 10, or leave them empty to fit the data.
- Export. Download a square PNG for slides and social posts, or an SVG to edit.
Keep the scale honest
Every axis shares one scale, so the qualities have to be measured the same way: all out of 10, all percentages, all on a 1 to 5 survey scale. Mixing units, such as price in dollars next to a rating out of 5, makes the shape meaningless. If your data mixes units, convert each quality to a score first.
Starting the center above zero exaggerates differences, because a small gap near the edge looks like a big one. Keep the center at 0 unless you have a good reason, and say so in the subtitle if you change it.
Tip
Two or three shapes read well. With more, lower the fill so the shapes behind stay visible, or make one chart per item with the same scale.
Radar chart or bar chart?
A radar chart is good at showing a profile. To compare exact values, the same table drawn as a grouped bar graph is easier to read, because lengths along a straight axis are simpler to judge than distances around a circle.
Questions people ask
Is a spider chart the same as a radar chart?
Yes. Radar chart, spider chart, spider graph, web chart and star plot are names for the same thing: several axes that start at one center point, with each series drawn as a closed shape across them. Some people keep star plot for a single observation, but the chart is built the same way.
When should I use a radar chart?
Use one to compare a few items across the same set of qualities, all measured on one scale, such as skill ratings out of 10 or product scores out of 5. It shows strengths and gaps at a glance. For precise comparisons, or when the scales differ, a grouped bar chart is easier to read.
How many axes can a radar chart have?
At least three, since two axes make a line rather than a shape. Between five and ten is the most readable range. With many more, the labels crowd together and the shapes get hard to compare, so consider splitting the qualities into two charts or switching to a bar chart.
Can I make a radar chart in Excel or Google Sheets?
Both have one. In Excel, select the data and choose Insert, then the radar chart type under the other chart types. In Google Sheets, choose Insert, Chart and set the chart type to Radar. You can also copy the same table and paste it here to style it, add a legend and export PNG or SVG.