# Waterfall Chart Generator Create waterfall charts to visualize cumulative changes with positive/negative value distinction and subtotal display > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/waterfall-chart-generator - **Category:** Data Visualization - **Keywords:** waterfall chart, cumulative chart, financial analysis, inventory changes, population changes, bridge chart ## Overview The Waterfall Chart Generator allows you to visualize cumulative changes in data, making it easy to track how positive and negative values contribute to a final total through a clear, step-by-step bridge chart. ## Inputs - **Chart Title** (text): Title that will be displayed above the waterfall chart - **Data Items** (textarea): Data items as JSON array with label, value, and optional isSubtotal flag - **X-Axis Label** (text): Label for the X-axis - **Y-Axis Label** (text): Label for the Y-axis - **Positive Color** (color): Color for positive value bars - **Negative Color** (color): Color for negative value bars - **Total Color** (color): Color for subtotal and total bars - **Connecting Line Color** (color): Color for connecting lines between bars - **Bar Width** (number): Width of each bar in pixels - **Show Values** (checkbox): Display values on top of bars - **Show Auto Total** (checkbox): Automatically add final total bar - **Show Connecting Lines** (checkbox): Display connecting lines between bars - **Value Format** (select): Select format - **Font Size** (number): Font size for labels and values - **Title Font Size** (number): Font size for the chart title - **Font Family** (text): Font family for text elements - **Chart Width** (number): Width of the chart in pixels - **Chart Height** (number): Height of the chart in pixels - **Background Color** (color): Background color of the chart - **Grid Color** (color): Color of grid lines - **Enable Animation** (checkbox): Animate the chart when it loads - **Animation Duration** (number): Animation duration in milliseconds ## When to use - When you need to explain how an initial value increases or decreases to reach a final result. - When analyzing financial statements to show the breakdown of revenue, costs, and net profit. - When tracking inventory fluctuations or population changes over a specific period. ## How it works - Input your data as a JSON array, specifying labels, values, and whether an item is a subtotal. - Customize the visual appearance by adjusting colors for positive, negative, and total bars. - Configure chart dimensions, font styles, and value formats to match your reporting requirements. - Generate the chart to view the cumulative progression with optional connecting lines and auto-calculated totals. ## Use cases - Financial reporting to bridge the gap between starting budget and final expenditure. - Sales performance analysis showing how individual deals contribute to the monthly target. - Inventory management tracking stock levels through additions and shipments. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a waterfall chart? A waterfall chart is a data visualization that shows how an initial value is affected by a series of intermediate positive or negative values to reach a final total. ### How do I define subtotals in the data? In your JSON input, add the 'isSubtotal': true flag to any data item that represents a calculated total rather than a change. ### Can I change the colors of the bars? Yes, you can independently set the colors for positive values, negative values, and subtotal bars using the color picker options. ### Does the tool calculate the final total automatically? Yes, if the 'Show Auto Total' option is enabled, the tool will automatically calculate and append the final total bar to your chart. ### What formats are supported for values? 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