When to use

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.

Use when

• Use when 1 — P&L bridges, budget vs actual, headcount walks
• 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 — the story is a trend over many periods, not a bridge
• 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

Waterfall: honour signed bar height from a running total, and switch when the story is a trend over many periods, not a bridge.

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