Tech Now: How to create a Win-Loss Chart in Excel? [Tutorial & Template]

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

How to create a Win-Loss Chart in Excel? [Tutorial & Template]

Win Loss Charts are an interesting way to show a range of outcomes. Lets say, you have data like this:

win, win, win, loss, loss, win, win, loss, loss, win

The Win Loss chart would look like this:

Win Loss Charts in Excel - Template & Tutorial

Today, we will learn, how to create Win Loss Charts in Excel.

We will learn how to create Win Loss charts using Conditional Formatting and using Incell Charts.

Win Loss Charts in Excel using Conditional Formatting:

Step 1: Create a helper column where we show cumulative totals

This is easy. Just show cumulative sum of numbers like this:

Data for Win Loss Charts - Excel Win Loss Charts

Lets say this is in D4:D16

Step 2: Create a 100 cell grid

Type numbers 1 thru 100 in one hundred adjacent cells, one each in a column.

Then resize this grid so that you can fit everything in a screen.

Lets say, this is in F3:DA3

100 Cell Grid where we would show the win loss chart

Assumption: I assumed that the total number of wins and losses we have is 100. If you have more, adjust accordingly.

Step 3: Fetch the Win or Loss Status for Each of the 100 Cells

This is a bit tricky, but easy once you figure out the formula. We will use INDEX+MATCH.

For each column, we will lookup the corresponding number in our cumulative total table and once we find a match (not exact match, but a number less than what we are looking for), we just return the corresponding win or loss value.

We will write this formulas in the range F4:DA4,

This formula will do: =INDEX($C$4:$C$16,MATCH(F$3,$D$4:$D$16,1))

How this formula works?

1. We are looking for a column number (F3) in the range of cumulative totals (D4:D16) for a less than match (1)

2. Once found, we want the corresponding element from C4:C16 (where the win – loss labels are maintained).

Step 4: Copy the cells F4:DA4 and paste them as links in F5:DA5

Step 5: Apply conditional formatting

Now, we just apply conditional formatting to cells F4:DA4 such that whenever the cell is “Win”, we fill it with Green color.

Similarly, we apply CF to F5:DA5 such that whenever the cell is “Loss”, we fill it with Red color.

Conditional Formatting Rules to show Win Loss Chart

Finally, hide the cell values in F4:DA5 by using custom cell format code ;;;

That is all. Your Win Loss Chart is ready.

In-cell Win-Loss Charts in Excel:

We can create a slightly less accurate win-loss charts in Excel using In-cell charting approach.

Note: In-cell Charting is making charts inside a cell by using REPT() formula and some clever hacks. See examples of in-cell charting.

See this illustration to understand the technique.

Create a win loss chart in Excel using incell charts

Follow this procedure:

Create 2 helper columns – H1 & H2.

In H1, print the | symbol for Win and print spaces (” “) for loss. When printing spaces, divide the value by x.
1. “x” will depend on the font & font size you choose. For script font, 11 pt size, it is 2.2

In H2, do the same for Loss.

Now concatenate all H1 values and print somewhere.

In the cell beneath, concatenate and print all the H2 values.

Change color of above cell to Green and below cell to Red.

Your in-cell win-loss chart is ready!

Bonus: Create Quick Win Loss Charts with Excel 2010

In Excel 2010, Microsoft introduced Win-loss charts. So, now you can easily create a win-loss chart. To do this, just select the binary data (1 for win, -1 for loss) and go to Insert > Sparklines > Win/loss chart

Win Loss Chart in excel 2010

For more info: Visit Introduction to Excel 2010 Sparklines

Download Win Loss Chart Excel Template

I have made an excel template that creates win loss charts using conditional formatting and in-cell charts.

Go ahead and download the excel workbook [Excel 2003 version here]

Play with it to understand how to make win loss charts.

Do you use Win Loss Charts?

Personally, I never had to use win loss charts. But I have seen various applications of this chart. Win loss charts are effective in visualizing results from sports, stock markets and other such areas.

What about you? Have you used win loss charts before? How did you make them? Please share your techniques and ideas using comments.