Radar Charts: Excel vs Python – Which Reigns Supreme? - Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts & Science (KCLAS)

A Radar Chart, also known as a Spider Chart or Polar Chart, is a type of graphical representation that displays multiple categories or variables on a circular grid.

Key Features of a Radar Chart

Axes: Each variable is represented as an axis radiating from the centre.
Data Points: Points are plotted on each axis based on their values.
Connection: The points are connected to form a closed polygon, making it easy to compare overall shapes and patterns.
Multiple Data Sets: Different data sets can be overlaid on the same chart, each represented by a different polygon

Uses

Comparing Multiple Categories: Radar Charts are useful for comparing multiple categories or variables on a single chart.
Visualizing Multivariate Data: They help to visualize complex multivariate data in a simple and intuitive way.
Identifying Patterns and Trends: Radar Charts can help identify patterns and trends in the data.

Common Applications

Marketing and Sales: Radar Charts are used in marketing and sales to compare the performance of different products or services.
Sports Analytics: They are used in sports analytics to compare the performance of different players or teams.
Quality Control: Radar Charts are used in quality control to compare the performance of different processes or systems.

Let us see a Case Study on Employee Performance Evaluation

Scenario:

A company evaluates its employees based on five key performance metrics:

Communication
Technical Skills
Teamwork
Problem-Solving
Leadership

The HR team wants to compare the performance of three employees: ML, GJ, and MJ.

A Comprehensive, Step-by-Step Approach

Plot the Radar Chart in Excel:

Each axis represents one metric.
The values for each employee are plotted on the respective axes.
Polygons are formed by connecting the data points for each employee.

In excel worksheet select the option Radar

Collect Data: Scores are given to each employee on a scale of 1 to 10 for the five metrics.

Metrics	ML	GJ	MJ
Communication	7	5	9
Technical Skills	9	9	8
Teamwork	6	7	4
Problem-Solving	8	7	9
Leadership	4	4	8

Radar Chart on Employee Performance Evaluation using Excel

Interpretation:

The larger and more evenly distributed the polygon, the stronger the overall performance.
Areas of strength and weakness can be quickly identified.

Insights from the Chart:

MJ has strong communication, leadership and problem solving skills but weak in team work
GJ is good in team work and technical skills but weak in communication skills
ML is good in technical skills better communication skills and problem solving skills than G

Plot the Radar Chart using Python coding

Radar Chart on Employee Performance Evaluation using Python

Here is a table comparing Excel and Python for creating radar graphs:

Feature	Excel	Python (Matplotlib, Plotly)
Ease of Use	Simple, GUI-based	Requires coding knowledge
Customization	Limited customization	Highly customizable Allows full control over styling, colours, labels, etc.
Automation	Manual, difficult to automate	Easy to automate with scripts
Data Handling	Suitable for small datasets	Can handle large datasets efficiently
Flexibility	Predefined chart options	Full control over design and styles
Speed	Faster for quick charts	Requires setup and coding
Best Use Case	Quick reports and small data	Advanced analysis and automation

If you are looking for flexibility and automation, Python is better. If you need a quick and easy solution, Excel is more user-friendly.

– Mary Louis L

Professor of Mathematics, Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science