Two Baseline Values in a Scorecard Chart in Google Sheets (Workaround)

Do you want your scorecard chart in Google Sheets to stand out and provide even more valuable information? Look no further! In this article, I will show you a clever workaround to display two baseline values in a scorecard chart.

Baseline Values in Scorecard Chart (Introduction)

The key value and baseline values are the heart and soul of a scorecard in Google Sheets. Without a baseline value, the scorecard chart can seem lifeless, like a mere text object with a number. But with a baseline value, the chart comes alive, revealing the relationship between the baseline value and the key value in two different modes: absolute change and percentage change.

In the example below, the key value is $600, and the baseline values are ↑$100 (absolute change) and ↑20% (percentage change).

Example to Two Baseline Values in a Scorecard Chart

Unfortunately, according to the scorecard customization settings, we can only display one of these baseline values at a time. But fear not, because I have a fantastic workaround for you!

Workaround to Get Two Baseline Values in a Scorecard Chart

Creating the Chart

To begin, let’s create a scorecard chart based on the key value and baseline values. For example, assume that cell A2 contains your income from content creation for August, and cell B2 contains your income for September.

  1. Start by selecting a blank cell, such as cell D2.
  2. Click on the “Insert” menu, then choose “Chart” and select “Scorecard chart” from the sidebar panel.

Call Attention to KPIs - Creating a Scorecard Chart

  1. In the panel, select cell B2 under “Key value” and cell A2 under “Baseline value”.
  2. Your scorecard chart with one baseline value is now ready.

Please note that the default baseline value will be “Absolute change.” You can customize the chart further by going to the “Customize” tab. For example, you can change the baseline value font size or add a custom description.

Next, in the same customization panel, under “Chart style,” change the chart’s “Border color” to “None” and the “Background color” to “Grey.” We will adjust the background color later.

Drag the chart to the desired position on the sheet, ensuring that the top edge of the chart aligns with the 4th row. Then, click on the chart and hover over the middle square dot at the bottom of the chart. Drag it upward to reduce the chart width, leaving minimal space below the baseline value.

Workaround to Add Two Baseline Values in the Scorecard Chart

Let’s make a copy of the chart we created earlier.

  1. Click on cell D1, then click on the chart, and press Ctrl+C to copy.
  2. Paste the chart using Ctrl+V to create an exact copy.

Now, make some adjustments to the second chart. Change its background color to “White” and set the Baseline value to “Percentage change.”

The two charts should now appear as follows:

Scorecard Chart with Two Baseline Values

If the charts are not aligned correctly, simply drag and adjust them accordingly. Finally, change the background color of the first chart from “Grey” to “White,” and voila! You have successfully displayed two baseline values in a scorecard chart in Google Sheets.

Additional Tips (Transparent Background)

If you prefer a transparent background for your scorecard chart, follow these steps:

  • For the first chart (the one at the bottom), set the “Background color” to “None” and the “Key value” color to “White.”
  • For the second chart (the one at the top), set the “Background color” to “None.”

Two Baseline Values and Transparent Scorecard Chart

That’s it! Now you can enjoy your scorecard chart with two baseline values and even customize it further to suit your needs.

Remember, at Crawlan.com, we love sharing these juicy secrets with our besties! So go ahead and impress your colleagues and clients with your enhanced scorecard charts in Google Sheets. Happy charting!

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