PowerPoint Chart Templates: Free & Professional Options for Consultants

We downloaded 200+ "free chart templates" from the most recommended sources online. The results were discouraging: waterfall templates with images instead of editable charts, Gantt templates that break when you add a task, and countless "consulting chart packs" that look polished in thumbnails but require 30 minutes of reformatting before they are usable.

The template search typically happens at 10 PM when you need a specific chart for tomorrow's steering committee. You do not have time to evaluate fifteen download sites. This guide cuts through the noise: which sources provide genuinely editable templates, which chart types have usable free options, and which charts require add-ins because no template can compensate for PowerPoint's architectural limitations.

We have organized the recommendations by chart type so you can jump directly to what you need.

Why Chart Templates Matter for Consultants#

Chart templates serve three purposes in consulting work:

1. Speed

Building a waterfall chart from scratch takes 15-45 minutes in native PowerPoint. Starting from a well-structured template can cut that to 5-10 minutes. When you are building a dozen charts for a steering committee deck, those minutes compound.

2. Consistency

Client decks need uniform formatting: consistent colors, aligned elements, matching fonts. Templates enforce consistency automatically, preventing the "twelve analysts, twelve styles" problem that plagues large project teams.

3. Quality Baseline

A good template reflects best practices—proper color coding for positive and negative values, appropriate data-ink ratios, executive-friendly layouts. Starting from a quality baseline is easier than fixing poor design choices later.

The Template Trap#

Here is the problem: most chart templates optimize for visual appeal in thumbnails, not practical usability in business presentations.

We have downloaded hundreds of "free chart templates" and consistently found the same issues:

The templates that look best in preview galleries are often the least useful for actual work.

Types of Chart Templates Consultants Need#

Before evaluating sources, understand which chart types matter most for consulting work.

Waterfall Charts (Bridge Charts)#

The consulting workhorse. Waterfall charts visualize how an initial value changes through positive and negative contributions to reach a final value.

Common applications:

• Revenue bridges (year-over-year variance)
• EBITDA walks (profit driver breakdown)
• Cost variance analysis
• Cash flow bridges

Template requirements:

• Automatic connectors between bars
• Color coding for positive/negative
• Subtotal and total bar formatting
• Excel data linking for updates

Native PowerPoint includes a basic waterfall chart, but it lacks connectors and cannot link to Excel.

Mekko Charts (Marimekko)#

Mekko charts show two dimensions simultaneously through variable-width columns. Width represents one variable (typically market size), height represents another (typically market share).

Common applications:

• Market sizing with competitor shares
• Share of wallet analysis
• Competitive landscape mapping
• Portfolio revenue breakdown

Template requirements:

• Variable-width column support
• 100% stacked formatting option
• Width labels for absolute values
• Segment order consistency

PowerPoint cannot create Mekko charts natively. There is no template workaround—you need specialized tools.

Gantt Charts#

Gantt charts visualize project schedules as horizontal bars against a timeline, showing task duration and dependencies.

Common applications:

• Implementation roadmaps
• Project status tracking
• Workstream timelines
• Resource planning

Template requirements:

• Proper date scaling (days, weeks, months)
• Milestone markers
• Dependency lines (optional)
• Today marker for status tracking
• Excel linking for schedule updates

PowerPoint has no native Gantt chart. Stacked bar workarounds exist but break when dates change.

Stacked Bar and Column Charts#

Standard charts for composition analysis. PowerPoint handles these natively, but templates can save formatting time.

Common applications:

• Market share over time
• Revenue by segment
• Cost structure breakdown
• Survey response distribution

Process Flow and Org Charts#

Visual diagrams showing workflows, organizational structures, or decision trees.

Common applications:

• Operating model design
• Decision frameworks
• Organizational structure
• Customer journey mapping

PowerPoint's SmartArt handles basic versions, but complex flows benefit from dedicated templates.

Free Chart Template Sources#

We evaluated the major free template sources based on quality, usability, and consulting-relevance.

Tier 1: Best Free Options#

Microsoft Office Templates

Website: templates.office.com

Microsoft's built-in template gallery includes chart-heavy presentation templates.

Pros:

• Fully editable PowerPoint files
• Native chart objects (not images)
• Professional baseline quality
• No registration required

Cons:

• Limited consulting-specific charts
• No waterfall or Mekko templates
• Generic business styling
• Infrequent updates

Best for: Starting points that require customization.

PresentationGo

Website: presentationgo.com

One of the largest free template libraries with 1,600+ chart and diagram templates.

Pros:

• Extensive variety (flowcharts, org charts, data charts)
• Editable PowerPoint and Google Slides versions
• Professional quality
• Regular updates

Cons:

• No consulting-specific chart types
• Some templates prioritize aesthetics over function
• Requires sorting through many options

Best for: Process diagrams, org charts, and standard data visualizations.

SlideHunter

Website: slidehunter.com

Focused collection of chart-specific templates including bar, pie, and line charts.

Pros:

• Chart-focused (not general presentation templates)
• Multiple design variations per chart type
• Gradient and 3D options for specific use cases

Cons:

• Smaller library than PresentationGo
• Some dated visual styles
• No advanced consulting charts

Best for: Quick bar and pie chart starting points.

Smartsheet Gantt Templates

Website: smartsheet.com

Dedicated Gantt chart templates for PowerPoint.

Pros:

• Project management focused
• Multiple time scale options
• Professional formatting
• Includes milestone markers

Cons:

• Gantt charts only
• Static templates (no Excel linking)
• Requires manual date updates

Best for: One-time Gantt charts that will not change frequently.

Tier 2: Decent Free Options#

24Slides

Website: 24slides.com/templates

Data-focused templates updated weekly.

Pros:

• Regular new content
• Corporate styling options
• Tables and data visualization focus

Cons:

• Requires email signup for some templates
• Mixed quality levels

Slidesgo

Website: slidesgo.com

Large collection of infographic and chart templates.

Pros:

• Google Slides and PowerPoint versions
• Colorful, modern designs
• Dashboard templates available

Cons:

• Tends toward marketing/design aesthetic
• Less suitable for conservative consulting presentations

Showeet

Website: showeet.com

Charts and diagrams for business presentations.

Pros:

• 100% free downloads
• No registration for most templates
• Regular updates

Cons:

• Smaller library
• European-focused design sensibilities

What Free Templates Cannot Provide#

After extensive testing, we found that no free template source adequately covers:

For these consulting staples, you need either complex workarounds or specialized tools.

Premium Template and Tool Options#

When free templates fall short, these paid options fill the gaps.

Consulting Template Libraries#

Slideworks

Website: slideworks.io

Created by ex-McKinsey and BCG consultants.

What's included:

• Strategy framework templates
• Chart templates following MBB standards
• Excel financial models
• Fully customizable files

Price: Individual templates from $29, bundles from $99

Best for: Strategy consultants who want pre-built frameworks in addition to charts.

Flevy

Website: flevy.com

700+ consulting PowerPoint templates.

What's included:

• Visual concepts and frameworks
• Data visualization templates
• Industry-specific content

Price: Per-template pricing, subscription options available

Best for: Large firms needing comprehensive template libraries.

Umbrex

Website: umbrex.com/resources/powerpoint-slides

Template library used by 70,000+ professionals.

What's included:

• Bar charts, pie charts, scatter plots
• Concept slides
• MBB-style formatting

Price: Subscription-based

Best for: Independent consultants building template libraries.

PowerPoint Add-ins (Our Recommendation)#

Templates have fundamental limitations: they are static files that require manual updates. Add-ins solve this by generating charts dynamically with live data connections.

Deckary

Website: deckary.com

A PowerPoint add-in built for consultants, offering charting tools and productivity features.

Chart capabilities:

• Waterfall charts with automatic connectors
• Mekko charts with variable-width columns
• Gantt charts with date handling
• Stacked bar, line, and combination charts
• Live Excel linking

Additional features:

• Alignment and distribution shortcuts
• 600+ icon library
• Works on Windows and Mac

Price: $49/year (Starter), $119/year (Premium), $199 lifetime

Best for: Consultants who need professional charts without think-cell's price tag.

Think-cell

Website: think-cell.com

The industry standard at MBB firms and investment banks.

Chart capabilities:

• Comprehensive chart library
• Advanced annotations and callouts
• Agenda slides with chapter navigation
• Process flows

Price: $299+/year per user

Best for: Organizations with budget for premium tools and heavy daily usage.

Mekko Graphics

Website: mekkographics.com

Specialized add-in for business charts.

Chart capabilities:

• 30 chart types including Marimekko
• Waterfall and cascade charts
• Bar charts with advanced formatting

Price: $499/year

Best for: Firms already using the tool or needing specific Mekko chart features.

Office Timeline

Website: officetimeline.com

Focused on timelines and Gantt charts.

Chart capabilities:

• Gantt chart creation and templates
• Milestone timelines
• Import from Project/Smartsheet

Price: Free basic, $59/year Pro, $199/year Pro+

Best for: Project managers who primarily need Gantt and timeline charts.

Template Source Comparison Table#

How to Customize Chart Templates Effectively#

Whether you use free templates or premium tools, customization skills matter.

Step 1: Establish a Color System#

Define your color palette before touching any template:

Apply colors consistently across all charts in the deck.

Step 2: Set Font Standards#

Match fonts to the presentation template:

• Chart title: Same as slide titles
• Axis labels: Same as body text, 2pt smaller
• Data labels: Body text size, consider bold for emphasis
• Source citations: 8pt, bottom of chart

Step 3: Simplify Default Formatting#

Most templates come with unnecessary decoration:

Consulting charts prioritize data clarity over visual flourish.

Step 4: Add Meaningful Labels#

Templates often minimize labels for aesthetic cleanliness. Add back:

• Data values on bars (not just axis)
• Axis titles explaining units
• Chart title stating the insight
• Source citation for external data

Step 5: Save as Reusable Template#

After formatting a chart properly:

1. Right-click the chart
2. Select "Save as Template"
3. Name it descriptively (e.g., "Waterfall_Standard_Blue")
4. Access via Insert > Chart > Templates

Building a personal template library saves hours over time.

Best Practices for Using Chart Templates#

Start with the Right Chart Type#

Templates cannot fix fundamental chart selection errors:

Choose the correct chart type first, then find a template.

Preserve Data Editability#

Some templates use images or grouped shapes instead of real charts:

Check for:

• Right-clicking reveals "Edit Data" option
• Chart can be resized without pixelation
• Elements can be individually selected

If you cannot edit the data, the template saves no time.

Test with Your Actual Data#

Templates often use convenient demo data (nice round numbers, perfect distributions). Test with real data before committing:

Maintain a Template Library#

Organize templates by purpose:

/Templates
  /Charts
    /Waterfall
    /Stacked_Bar
    /Line
    /Gantt
  /Frameworks
    /SWOT
    /Porter_5_Forces
    /BCG_Matrix
  /Process
    /Flow_Diagrams
    /Org_Charts

A well-organized library compounds time savings over months.

Common Template Mistakes to Avoid#

Mistake 1: Using Templates as-Is#

Every template needs customization for your context. At minimum:

• Update colors to match your deck
• Replace placeholder data
• Adjust labels and titles
• Remove decorative elements

Mistake 2: Ignoring Aspect Ratios#

Templates may be designed for 4:3 or 16:9. Using the wrong ratio causes:

• Stretched or compressed charts
• Misaligned elements
• Cropped content

Match template ratio to your presentation settings.

Mistake 3: Mixing Template Sources#

Downloading charts from five different sites creates visual inconsistency:

• Different color palettes
• Varying font treatments
• Inconsistent element sizing
• Conflicting design sensibilities

Pick one primary source and customize from there.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Excel Linking#

For recurring presentations, static templates create update burden:

Mistake 5: Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Function#

The most visually impressive template is often the least practical:

• Gradient backgrounds obscure data
• Decorative elements compete for attention
• Complex layouts resist customization
• Animation distracts from content

Choose templates that communicate clearly, not ones that impress in previews.

When to Use Templates vs. Add-ins#

Use Free Templates When:#

• Building one-time presentations
• Creating simple bar, pie, or line charts
• Working with static data that will not change
• Budget is zero and time is available for formatting

Use Premium Templates When:#

• Need consulting frameworks (SWOT, Porter, etc.)
• Want MBB-quality starting points
• Building a reusable template library
• Time budget allows for customization

Use Add-ins When:#

• Building charts weekly or daily
• Data lives in Excel and changes frequently
• Need chart types PowerPoint cannot create (Mekko, waterfall with connectors)
• Time cost of manual formatting exceeds subscription cost
• Multiple team members need consistent outputs

For most consultants building charts regularly, add-ins like Deckary pay for themselves within the first few weeks of use. The $49-119/year subscription recovers quickly when each chart saves 10-20 minutes of formatting time.

Summary#

Chart templates can accelerate presentation building, but not all templates are created equal.

Key takeaways:

1. Free templates work for simple charts — bar, pie, line, and basic diagrams
2. Consulting-grade charts need specialized tools — waterfall with connectors, Mekko, Gantt with Excel linking
3. Best free sources: PresentationGo, Smartsheet (Gantt), Microsoft Office templates
4. Premium template libraries exist for MBB-style frameworks (Slideworks, Flevy)
5. Add-ins beat templates for recurring work — live data linking saves hours over time
6. Always customize — no template should be used as-is
7. Maintain a library — organized templates compound time savings

For consultants building client presentations, the template vs. add-in decision often comes down to frequency. Monthly charts might justify template investment. Weekly charts justify Deckary at $49-119/year. Daily charts justify think-cell at $299+/year.

The goal is not finding the cheapest option—it is finding the option that produces professional output with minimal friction. A chart that should take two minutes should not take twenty.