When to use

Treemap encodes values as area of nested rectangles for a hierarchy. Ben Shneiderman, University of Maryland, 1991, for disk-space visualization.

In reports, ads and assignments it fits part-to-whole with many leaves and a hierarchy. Skip it when you need precise comparison of similar sizes.

Use when

• Use when 1 — part-to-whole with many leaves and a hierarchy
• Use when 2 — Excel or Google Sheets
• Use when 3 — PowerPoint
• Use when 4 — lab reports and poster boards
• Use when 5 — Meta, Google and retail print

Avoid when

• Avoid when 1 — you need precise comparison of similar sizes
• Avoid when 2 — 3-D, dual axes, rainbow scales
• Avoid when 3 — Undated numbers, undated time series
• Avoid when 4 — Four charts on one slide

Audiences

• Work — PowerPoint
• Ads — Meta, Google and retail print
• School — lab reports and poster boards

Treemap: honour area of nested rectangles for a hierarchy, and switch when you need precise comparison of similar sizes.

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