How to Create a Waterfall Chart in Google Slides (2024 Guide)
Waterfall charts are essential for visualizing how different factors contribute to a total change. Here are three methods to create them in Google Slides.
Table of Contents
What is a Waterfall Chart?
A waterfall chart—also known as a bridge chart or flying bricks chart—shows the cumulative effect of sequentially introduced positive or negative values. The chart typically starts with an initial value, shows individual changes (increases and decreases), and ends with a final total.
Common Use Cases:
- Revenue bridge analysis (FY2023 → FY2024)
- EBITDA walkthrough
- Cash flow statements
- Budget variance analysis
- Profit margin decomposition
Method 1: Manual Creation (Time-Consuming)
You can create waterfall charts manually in Google Slides using shapes. Here's the process:
- Insert rectangles for each bar
- Calculate positions based on running totals
- Add connector lines between bars
- Format colors (green for increases, red for decreases, blue for totals)
- Add text labels manually
Pros
- No add-ons required
- Complete control over appearance
Cons
- Takes 30-60 minutes per chart
- Easy to make calculation errors
- Difficult to update when data changes
- No automatic connectors or totals
Method 2: Create in Google Sheets, Import as Image
Google Sheets has slightly better chart options, so you can create your waterfall there and import it:
- Open Google Sheets and enter your data
- Use a stacked bar chart hack to simulate waterfall
- Screenshot or export the chart
- Paste into Google Slides
Pros
- Slightly better than pure manual
- Data-linked if you use embed
Cons
- Still no native waterfall support
- Image quality may suffer
- Updates require re-export
Method 3: Use SlidesChart Add-on (Recommended)
The fastest way to create waterfall charts in Google Slides is with a dedicated add-on like SlidesChart.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Install SlidesChart from Google Workspace Marketplace
- Open Google Slides and go to Add-ons → SlidesChart → Insert Chart
- Select Waterfall Chart
- Enter your data in the sidebar:
- Categories: FY2023, Price, Volume, Mix, FX, FY2024
- Values: 1000, 50, 80, -20, -30, (auto-calculated)
- Types: total, increase, increase, decrease, decrease, total
- Click Insert—done!
Features Included:
Waterfall Chart Best Practices
1. Start and End with Totals
Always begin with your starting value and end with the resulting total. This gives context to the changes in between.
2. Order Matters
Generally, order your factors from largest positive to smallest positive, then largest negative to smallest negative. This creates a logical visual flow.
3. Use Clear Labels
Label each bar with both the category name and the value. Include + or - signs for clarity.
4. Color Coding
- Green/Blue: Positive changes (increases)
- Red/Orange: Negative changes (decreases)
- Gray/Navy: Starting and ending totals
5. Add Context
Include a title that explains what the chart shows, like "Revenue Bridge: FY2023 to FY2024 ($M)"
When to Use Waterfall Charts
Use waterfall charts when:
- Showing how components add up to a total
- Explaining changes between two time periods
- Breaking down financial statements
- Presenting variance analysis
Don't use waterfall charts when:
- Showing trends over time (use line charts)
- Comparing categories (use bar charts)
- Showing proportions (use pie charts)
Conclusion
While Google Slides doesn't natively support waterfall charts, you have options:
- Manual creation - Free but time-consuming
- Google Sheets workaround - Slightly faster but still limited
- SlidesChart add-on - Professional results in under 2 minutes
For anyone who regularly creates waterfall charts, an add-on like SlidesChart pays for itself in saved time after just one or two charts.
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