How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Pivot Tables in Excel

What Is a Pareto Chart?

A Pareto chart combines columns sorted in descending order with a line representing cumulative total percentages. It’s a powerful tool for highlighting the most significant factors in a dataset.


Dataset Overview

  • Imagine you have a dataset showing daily production from five machines.


To create a Pareto Chart, start by making a Pivot Table from your data range.

  • Select any data from your dataset.
  • Click on Insert and select PivotTable.

  • A dialog box will appear, automatically selecting the data range. Choose your desired worksheet option (e.g., New Worksheet) and click OK.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

  • A new worksheet will open with the PivotTable Fields on the right side.
  • Mark the headers from the fields to set up your Pivot Table.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

The Pivot Table will look like the image below:

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

  • For the Pareto chart, sort the Sum of Units column in descending order.
  • Right-click on any data point and choose Sort and select Sort Largest to Smallest.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

  • Instead of using the Copy command, let’s do this more efficiently using PivotTable Fields.
  • Drag the Units header into the Sum of Units field.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

You’ll see a new column with serial numbers (thanks to Pivot Tables).

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

We’ll find the cumulative percentage in the new column.

  • Calculate the cumulative percentage for this new column:
    • Right-click on any data point in the new column.
    • Select Show Values As and select %Running Total In.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

  • Choose the base field and press OK.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

Our Pivot Table is ready to create a Pareto chart.

  • Select any data from the Pivot Table.
  • Click on PivotTable Analyze, choose Tools and click on PivotChart.
  • In the dialog box named Insert Chart, choose the Combo option.

  • Mark Sum of Units2 as the Secondary Axis and press OK.

You’ll have a Pareto chart.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

Read More: How to Use Pareto Chart in Excel


Customizing a Pareto Chart

Hide All Field Buttons

  • Hide all field buttons:
    • Right-click on any field button and select Hide All Field Buttons.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables


Change Design

  • Change the chart design:
    • Go to Chart Styles.
    • Select your desired chart design from the Style section.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

  • Or click anywhere on the chart and select a design from the Design ribbon.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables


Adjust Color

  • Go to Chart Styles or select the Pareto chart and click on Design.
  • Select Change Colors and select a color template from the list.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables


Format Axis

To customize the axis, such as changing minimum and maximum bounds, follow these steps:

  • Right-click on the axis you want to format (e.g., the percentage axis).
  • Select Format Axis from the context menu.
  • Alternatively, you can double-click on the axis to open the Format Axis field directly.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

  • In the Axis Options section, set the minimum and maximum bounds. For example, set 0 for the minimum (representing 0%) and 1 for the maximum (representing 100%).
  • Press ENTER.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

Now your Pareto chart’s axis is formatted according to the new bounds.


Change Axis Alignment

If your horizontal data labels appear messy due to longer names, consider aligning them vertically for clarity:

  • Follow the first two steps from the previous section to open the Format Axis field.
  • Click on the Size & Properties icon.
  • From the Text direction dropdown, select Rotate All Text 270°.

How to Make a Pareto Chart Using Excel Pivot Tables

  • Your final output will have neatly aligned data labels.


Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here:


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Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun
Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun

Md. Sourov Hossain Mithun, an Excel and VBA Content Developer at Softeko's ExcelDemy project, joined in October 2021. Holding a Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering degree from BUET, Mithun showcases expertise during his two-year tenure. With over 200 published articles on Excel topics, he earned a promotion to Team Leader, excelling in leading diverse teams. Mithun's passion extends to Advanced Excel, Excel VBA, Data Analysis, and Python programming, contributing significantly to the innovative and dynamic environment of ExcelDemy... Read Full Bio

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