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This article explains how to design, build, and optimize small multiples charts in Excel so you can create high-impact, comparison-friendly dashboards that scale reliably to real-world business datasets.
1. What are small multiples in Excel?
Small multiples (also called panel charts or trellis charts) are a set of similar charts that use the same axes and formatting but show different subsets of the data side by side.
Instead of squeezing everything into one overcrowded Excel chart, you split the data into multiple views, one per category such as region, product, customer segment, or time period.
The power of small multiples is that the human eye can quickly compare shapes and patterns when charts share a consistent visual structure.
1.1 When to use small multiples instead of a single chart
- When you need to compare trends across many categories without overlapping series.
- When you want to highlight shape and pattern (e.g., seasonality) rather than exact point values.
- When stacking or clustering dozens of series in one Excel chart makes it unreadable.
- When you need an executive dashboard that answers “which category behaves differently?” at a glance.
Note : A good rule of thumb is: if your combined chart needs more than 6–8 visible series and extensive legend workarounds, small multiples usually give a cleaner result.
2. Planning effective small multiples dashboards
Before building anything in Excel, decide what business question the small multiples chart must answer and how your users will read it.
2.1 Choose the comparison dimension
Small multiples are defined by the dimension used to split charts.
- By region: Compare sales trends across regions.
- By product: Compare margin or volume by product line.
- By customer segment: Compare churn rate or usage patterns.
- By time window: Compare different years or campaigns side by side.
Pick the dimension that matters most to decision making and keep the number of panels reasonable for your audience.
2.2 Decide the grid layout and chart type
Common layouts in Excel dashboards are 2×2, 2×3, or 3×3 grids of small charts.
For each panel, use a simple, consistent chart type.
- Line charts for time series and trend comparison.
- Column charts for comparing magnitudes across categories.
- Area charts when you need a sense of volume but still want trend visibility.
Note : Avoid mixing chart types within one small multiple grid. Consistency is critical; users should only compare the data, not the chart styles.
3. Structuring data for small multiples in Excel
Small multiples work best when your data is tidy: one row per observation, one column per variable.
3.1 Example data structure
Use an Excel Table and structured references for more robust formulas and easier refresh.
| Date | Region | Product | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-01 | North | A | 1250 |
| 2025-01-01 | South | A | 980 |
| 2025-01-01 | East | A | 1130 |
| 2025-01-01 | West | A | 1020 |
Define this range as an Excel Table (for example, name it tblSales) so formulas can use structured references.
3.2 Dynamic helper ranges with formulas
You can prepare helper ranges that feed each chart.
For modern Excel with dynamic arrays, you might use formulas like:
=UNIQUE(tblSales[Region]) to list the regions automatically, and formulas like:
=FILTER(tblSales[(Date):[Sales]], tblSales[Region]=$G$2) to extract only the data for the region specified in cell $G$2.
Note : Using dynamic arrays and FILTER greatly simplifies maintaining small multiples because charts automatically respond to new data and category changes.
4. Building small multiples charts step by step in Excel
The classic approach is to build one “master” chart and then clone it for each category.
4.1 Create the first chart template
- Select the helper range for one category (e.g., Date and Sales for Region “North”).
- Insert a simple line chart.
- Apply formatting that you want to reuse: colors, fonts, axis labels, gridlines, and number formats.
- Remove repetitive chartjunk such as unnecessary titles or legends when the layout itself already encodes that information.
4.2 Clone charts and rebind the data
- Copy and paste the completed chart as many times as needed (one per region or category).
- Arrange the charts into a consistent grid using the Align and Distribute commands on the Format tab.
- For each chart, use “Select Data” to point the series to the relevant helper range for that category.
- Confirm that the X-axis uses identical date ranges and scale settings across all charts.
Note : Use the Format Painter between charts to enforce identical fonts, line weights, and colors. This keeps users focused on comparing patterns, not formatting differences.
4.3 Locking down consistent axis scales
Consistent axes are essential for valid comparison.
- Set the same minimum and maximum values on the vertical axis of each chart.
- Apply identical major unit spacing so that gridlines align visually across the grid.
- Verify that all charts cover the same time period on the horizontal axis.
Excel will often auto-scale each chart independently; manually overriding these settings is a key step in accurate small multiples design.
5. Advanced techniques for small multiples in Excel
5.1 Using named ranges and formulas
Named ranges make it easier to bind multiple charts to similar logic.
For example, define names such as RegionDates and RegionSales using formulas:
RegionDates =OFFSET(tblSales[Date], MATCH(SelectedRegion, tblSales[Region], 0)-1, 0, COUNTIF(tblSales[Region], SelectedRegion), 1) RegionSales =OFFSET(tblSales[Sales], MATCH(SelectedRegion, tblSales[Region], 0)-1, 0, COUNTIF(tblSales[Region], SelectedRegion), 1) Then bind chart series to these names instead of fixed ranges. Changing SelectedRegion updates all charts or a focused set of charts without editing each one individually.
5.2 Using the Camera tool or Linked Pictures
Sometimes you want more compact small multiples or you want to re-use existing charts in another area of the workbook.
- Create small charts on a hidden worksheet or in a staging area.
- Use the Camera tool (or Copy > Paste Special > Linked Picture) to bring snapshots of these charts into a dashboard sheet.
- Resize the linked pictures so the small multiples layout is neat and compact.
Note : Linked pictures refresh automatically when the source charts update, so you can maintain one source set of charts and multiple dashboard layouts.
5.3 Pivot-based small multiples
Excel does not have a built-in trellis chart, but PivotTables and PivotCharts can approximate small multiples.
- Build a PivotTable from your tidy data.
- Use a slicer for your primary dimension (for example, Region).
- Create one PivotChart, copy it several times, and set each chart’s filter or slicer connection to a different value.
This approach keeps aggregation logic consistent and makes it easy to add metrics without rewriting formulas.
6. Formatting and layout best practices
Small multiples succeed or fail based on visual discipline. Consistency is more important than decoration.
6.1 Simplify chart ink
- Remove heavy backgrounds; use a plain white or very light background.
- Use minimal gridlines and light colors where necessary.
- Keep labels concise and avoid redundant titles inside each panel.
- Standardize font family and sizes across all small multiples charts.
6.2 Align charts precisely
Use the Align commands to make sure chart areas, not just outer shapes, line up in rows and columns.
Visual misalignment creates false impression of differences where none exist.
6.3 Handling many categories
Too many panels will overwhelm users, even if each chart is simple.
- Prioritize top categories by volume, variance, or strategic importance.
- Offer a second view or separate worksheet for “long tail” categories.
- Consider interactive filters (slicers or dropdown selectors) so users can focus on subsets.
Note : A common design strategy is to show 8–12 panels on the main dashboard and provide an “analysis” sheet where power users can explore the full set of categories.
7. Comparing approaches to small multiples in Excel
Different Excel features can produce small multiple–like views, each with trade-offs.
| Approach | Strengths | Limitations | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual chart grid (classic small multiples) | Full control of formatting and axis; works in any modern Excel. | More maintenance work if data model changes significantly. | Executive dashboards with a fixed set of key categories. |
| Dynamic arrays + formulas | Updates automatically with changing data and categories. | Requires familiarity with FILTER, UNIQUE, and structured references. | Analytical workbooks that grow over time. |
| PivotCharts with slicers | Fast to build and easy to aggregate; quick filtering. | Less flexibility in detailed formatting; slicer setup can be complex. | Interactive exploration and self-service reporting. |
| Sparklines | Very compact; ideal in grid-like tables. | Limited formatting and axes options; no full chart objects. | High-density views such as many customers or products. |
8. Practical checklist for small multiples in Excel
Use this checklist to validate your design before publishing an Excel dashboard.
- All charts share the same chart type and basic formatting.
- Vertical and horizontal axes are aligned and use identical ranges where comparisons require it.
- Category labels (region, product, etc.) are clearly visible but not repetitive.
- Colors are used consistently to indicate the same meaning in every panel.
- Data source is organized as a tidy table, and formulas are robust to new data.
- The number of panels is reasonable for the intended audience and screen size.
Note : Print or export your small multiples dashboard to PDF and review it on different screens. If the layout is still readable at reduced size, the design is usually robust enough for everyday use.
FAQ
What is a small multiples chart in Excel?
A small multiples chart in Excel is a grid of similar charts that use the same scales and formatting but show different slices of the data, such as one chart per region or product.
Users can quickly compare patterns across panels because each chart is visually standardized.
How do I keep axis scales consistent across all charts?
After creating and copying your base chart, manually set the minimum, maximum, and major unit on the vertical axis of one chart, then copy that chart’s formatting to the others using the Format Painter.
Also ensure that the horizontal axis covers the same date range in every chart.
Can I create small multiples with PivotCharts?
Yes. You can build several PivotCharts from the same PivotTable or from separate PivotTables based on the same source data.
Filter each chart or connect slicers so that every panel shows a different category, and then align them into a grid.
What is the easiest way to update small multiples when new data arrives?
Store your data in an Excel Table and use structured references and dynamic array formulas (like FILTER and UNIQUE) to build helper ranges.
When new rows are added to the table, the helper ranges and small multiples charts update automatically.
How many panels should a small multiples dashboard have?
This depends on your screen size and audience, but a common practical range is 4 to 12 panels for the main view.
If you need to show more categories, provide a secondary sheet or interactive filters so users can focus on subsets.