Waterfall encodes values as signed bar height from a running total. Popularised in 1980s–90s consulting decks (McKinsey waterfall).
In reports, ads and assignments it fits P&L bridges, budget vs actual, headcount walks. Skip it when the story is a trend over many periods, not a bridge.
This page gathers anatomy, fit, craft, failure modes and work / ads / school recipes for Waterfall.
Profile
Seven chapters
The idea
How a total was built — start, pluses, minuses, end. The finance slide that still earns its keep. History. P&L bridges, budget vs actual, headcount walks.
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Anatomy
How a total was built — start, pluses, minuses, end. The finance slide that still earns its keep. Mark. P&L bridges, budget vs actual, headcount walks.
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When to use
How a total was built — start, pluses, minuses, end. The finance slide that still earns its keep. Fit. P&L bridges, budget vs actual, headcount walks.
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Craft
How a total was built — start, pluses, minuses, end. The finance slide that still earns its keep. Rules. P&L bridges, budget vs actual, headcount walks.
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Mistakes
How a total was built — start, pluses, minuses, end. The finance slide that still earns its keep. Failure modes. P&L bridges, budget vs actual, headcount walks.
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Studio
How a total was built — start, pluses, minuses, end. The finance slide that still earns its keep. Work. P&L bridges, budget vs actual, headcount walks.
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Tools
How a total was built — start, pluses, minuses, end. The finance slide that still earns its keep. Software. P&L bridges, budget vs actual, headcount walks.
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Frequently asked questions
When should I pick Waterfall?
When should I avoid Waterfall?
Who invented or popularised it?
What does it encode?
Is it OK in ads?
Will a teacher accept it?
Which tool?
How do I keep it accessible?
Related
▮ Bar chart
Compare categories on a shared baseline — the default honest chart for reports, ads and assignments.
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▽ Funnel
Stages that shrink — marketing and ads love it; science class should ask whether the widths are honest.
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📁 Work reports
The weekly and quarterly pack — bars, waterfalls and tiles that a manager can read in four minutes.
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