Overview
A Marimekko (Mekko) chart is a two-dimensional 100% stacked bar chart where both the width and height of each segment carry meaning. The column widths represent market share and the segment heights represent product mix within each market. This workbook builds a Marimekko chart entirely from Excel's native charting engine using 7 embedded chart objects that are combined into the final visual.
Download the Excel file (.xlsm)
How It Works
- Data Structure: 6 markets (Market 1–6) with market share percentages and 5 products (A–E) per market, each summing to 100%.
- Chart Data Table: Transforms the raw data into X-axis positions and stacked area coordinates so Excel's area chart can render variable-width columns.
- Label Table: A separate data series positions product and market labels at the correct locations within each segment.
- Combined Chart: Two charts (the main Marimekko and the label overlay) are merged to produce the final visualisation with proper labelling.
- Error Checks: Built-in validation ensures market shares sum to 100% and all product mixes within each market sum to 100%.
When to Use This
Marimekko charts are a staple of management consulting presentations. They're ideal for showing how a total market divides across competitors (width) and how each competitor's revenue splits across products or segments (height). Common applications include market sizing, portfolio analysis, and competitive benchmarking.