# Mekko Chart

A Mekko chart (or **Marimekko chart**) uses variable-width columns to show two data dimensions at once—typically market size and market share. Also called a **market map** or **mosaic chart**.

## What is a Mekko Chart?

A **Mekko chart** (also called a [Marimekko chart or mosaic plot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosaic_plot)) is a two-dimensional variation of a stacked bar chart where both the height AND width of columns represent data values.

The defining feature is **variable-width columns**:

- **Column width** represents one dimension (typically total market size or revenue)
- **Column height segments** represent another dimension (typically market share or composition)

This dual-encoding makes Mekko charts exceptionally powerful for competitive and market analysis in consulting, strategy, and finance. When a partner asks for a market map showing both segment size and competitive share in one view, a Mekko chart is usually the answer.

### Also Known As:

- Marimekko chart — Named after Finnish textile company's patterns
- Market map — Commonly used to map market landscapes
- Mosaic chart — Resembles a mosaic of rectangular tiles
- Variable-width chart — Columns vary in width by data values

### Mekko vs. Standard Stacked Bar

In a standard stacked bar chart, all columns have **equal width**—you can only show one dimension (composition). In a Mekko chart, column width varies by data, letting you show **both size AND composition** at once. This is why consultants use Mekko charts for market sizing: the enterprise segment being 3x wider than SMB immediately shows its relative importance.

## When to Use Mekko Charts

Mekko charts excel in four key scenarios:

### Market Sizing & Share

Show how large each market segment is AND who owns what share in a single visualization.

- Market size ($B) by segment
- Competitor market share by region
- Revenue by product category

### Share of Wallet Analysis

Understand how customers allocate spending across different categories or vendors.

- Customer spending by category
- Wallet share by vendor
- Budget allocation analysis

### Competitive Landscape

Map competitive positions across multiple dimensions simultaneously.

- Market position by geography
- Segment attractiveness vs share
- Competitive intensity mapping

### Portfolio Analysis

Analyze revenue or investment distribution across multiple business dimensions.

- Revenue by BU and customer type
- Investment by sector and stage
- Sales by channel and product

## When NOT to Use Mekko Charts

- Only one dimension matters
  Use standard bar or stacked bar instead
- Showing change over time
  Use line chart or waterfall instead
- Comparing a few discrete categories
  Use grouped bar chart instead
- Audience unfamiliar with format
  Use simpler visualization

If the variable width doesn't add meaningful insight, you're adding complexity without value.

## Mekko Chart Example

A market sizing chart showing segment size and competitive shares

## How to Create a Mekko Chart

Unlike waterfall charts, native PowerPoint and Excel **cannot create true Mekko charts** because they lack variable-width columns. Here are your options:

### Excel Workaround

Use stacked area charts with invisible series to simulate variable widths. Works but takes 60-90 minutes and breaks easily when data changes.

### PowerPoint Add-ins

Tools like Deckary and Mekko Graphics create true Mekko charts in seconds with proper formatting and data linking.

### With Deckary

Create professional Mekko charts in under 60 seconds. Automatic formatting, Excel data linking, and consulting-grade styling.

### BI Tools

Power BI, Tableau, and Qlik offer Mekko chart options for dashboards. Good for dynamic data but less control over presentation styling.

## Mekko Chart FAQ

Common questions about Mekko and Marimekko charts:

### What is a Mekko chart?

### What is the difference between a Mekko chart and a stacked bar chart?

### When should I use a Mekko chart?

### Why is it called a Marimekko chart?

### Can I create a Mekko chart in PowerPoint?