Graph not displaying correctly

ejacksonBPT

Why is my graph displaying like this? My In progress calculation is 39%, but the graph is displaying 93%. Below is my metric sheet.

Vivien Chong

@ejacksonBPT Hi in any pie or donut chart, it will show data in a total of 100%.

If your total is 36, then data should be shown this way:

Not Started: 21

In Progress: 14

On Hold: 1

Completed: 0

When you use a pie or donut chart, it will show

Not Started: 21 (58%)

In Progress: 14 (39%)

On Hold: 1 (3%)

Completed: 0

Hunter Taylor

Hi ejacksonBPT,

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing issues with your Smartsheet graph displaying incorrect percentages. Let's work through some potential causes and solutions to help you resolve this discrepancy.

Possible Causes and Solutions

1. Incorrect Data Range Selected for the Graph
   • Cause: The graph might be referencing a different range of cells than intended, leading to incorrect percentage calculations.
   • Solution:
     • Check the Data Source:
       1. Click on the graph to select it.
       2. Look for the data source settings (usually found in the chart's properties or settings panel).
       3. Ensure that the graph is referencing the correct cells that contain your "In Progress" percentage (39%).
     • Adjust if Necessary: If the graph is pulling data from unintended cells, update the range to the correct ones.
2. Graph Using a Different Metric or Column
   • Cause: The graph might be pulling data from a different column or metric that has a value of 93%.
   • Solution:
     • Verify Column References:
       1. Double-check which column the graph is using for the "In Progress" metric.
       2. Ensure it's the correct column where 39% is calculated.
     • Update the Metric:
       • If it's referencing the wrong column, adjust the graph settings to point to the correct one.
3. Calculation Errors in the Sheet
   • Cause: There might be an error in how the 39% is calculated, or there could be hidden data affecting the result.
   • Solution:
     • Review Formulas:
       1. Go to the cell where the 39% "In Progress" is calculated.
       2. Ensure the formula correctly represents the intended calculation (e.g., In Progress Tasks / Total Tasks).
     • Check for Hidden Rows/Columns:
       • Sometimes hidden data can skew calculations. Make sure there are no hidden rows or columns that might be affecting the percentage.
4. Graph Formatting and Settings Issues
   • Cause: The graph might have formatting settings that incorrectly display the percentage (e.g., axis scaling, data labels).
   • Solution:
     • Inspect Graph Settings:
       1. Access the graph's settings or properties panel.
       2. Check the axis settings to ensure they are appropriately scaled for percentages (0% to 100%).
       3. Verify that data labels are correctly formatted to display percentages.
     • Adjust Formatting:
       • If the axis is misconfigured, adjust it to reflect the correct range.
       • Ensure that the data labels are pulling from the correct data points.
5. Multiple Data Points or Aggregations
   • Cause: If the graph aggregates multiple data points, it might be combining percentages in a way that leads to an incorrect overall percentage.
   • Solution:
     • Understand Aggregation:
       • Determine if the graph is set to aggregate data (e.g., averaging, summing) and how that affects the percentage display.
     • Adjust Aggregation Method:
       • If aggregation is causing issues, consider changing the method or displaying individual data points instead.

The discrepancy between your calculated "In Progress" percentage (39%) and the graph displaying 93% likely stems from how the graph is referencing or interpreting your data. By systematically checking the data sources, graph settings, and ensuring the calculations are correct, you should be able to identify and rectify the issue. If you need more specific assistance, feel free to provide additional details or screenshots, and I'll be happy to help further!

ejacksonBPT

this is my metric sheet and the formula that shows 39%

Hunter Taylor

Since your calculation is correct in the metric sheet (showing 39%), it suggests that the issue might be with how the graph interprets or scales this percentage.

1. Potential Graph Misconfiguration:
   • The graph may be configured incorrectly to display 93% instead of 39%. Here are some possibilities:
     • Data Source: Ensure the graph pulls from this specific cell with the 39% value and isn’t aggregating or averaging multiple values.
     • Axis Scaling: Check if the graph’s axis is scaled in a way that changes the display of percentages.
     • Data Labels and Formatting: Verify that the data labels are set to show the correct values, and they are not altered by rounding or formatting rules.
2. Next Steps:
   • Double-check the graph settings in Smartsheet to make sure it's directly referencing the correct cell (the one containing the 39% result).
   • If the graph settings seem correct, consider recreating the graph to ensure it captures the intended data accurately.

Let me know if these steps help, or if you'd like further guidance on a specific graph configuration.

ejacksonBPT

I found if I change to a bar chart it shows correctly. Thank you

Hunter Taylor

I'm glad I could help!

Vivien Chong

@ejacksonBPT Hi in any pie or donut chart, it will show data in a total of 100%.

If your total is 36, then data should be shown this way:

Not Started: 21

In Progress: 14

On Hold: 1

Completed: 0

When you use a pie or donut chart, it will show

Not Started: 21 (58%)

In Progress: 14 (39%)

On Hold: 1 (3%)

Completed: 0