How to make an Excel waterfall chart (+ template)

Here's a neutral and interesting summary of the text in one paragraph: A waterfall chart is a type of bar graph that helps visualize step-by-step changes to an initial value, making it easier to understand how a series of additions and subtractions affect the starting point. Excel has a built-in feature for creating these charts, which can be used in conjunction with project management methodologies or Agile frameworks. The chart consists of a starting value bar, floating bars representing individual positive or negative changes, an ending value bar showing the net effect on the initial value, and connectors linking each floating bar to the next. A template is also provided for easy use, and alternatives include dedicated data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI, project management software, specialized charting libraries, and Zapier Tables, which can be automated with Zapier to connect Excel with other apps and tools.