Mekko Chart
A Mekko chart (or Marimekko chart) uses variable-width columns to show two data dimensions at once—typically market size and market share. Also called a market map or mosaic chart.
Width = Market Size | Height = Market Share
Interactive Mekko chart example
What is a Mekko Chart?
A Mekko chart (also called a Marimekko chart or mosaic plot) is a two-dimensional variation of a stacked bar chart where both the height AND width of columns represent data values.
The defining feature is variable-width columns:
- Column width represents one dimension (typically total market size or revenue)
- Column height segments represent another dimension (typically market share or composition)
This dual-encoding makes Mekko charts exceptionally powerful for competitive and market analysis in consulting, strategy, and finance. When a partner asks for a market map showing both segment size and competitive share in one view, a Mekko chart is usually the answer.
Also Known As:
Mekko vs. Standard Stacked Bar
In a standard stacked bar chart, all columns have equal width—you can only show one dimension (composition). In a Mekko chart, column width varies by data, letting you show both size AND composition at once. This is why consultants use Mekko charts for market sizing: the enterprise segment being 3x wider than SMB immediately shows its relative importance.
When to Use Mekko Charts
Mekko charts excel in four key scenarios
Market Sizing & Share
Show how large each market segment is AND who owns what share in a single visualization.
- Market size ($B) by segment
- Competitor market share by region
- Revenue by product category
Share of Wallet Analysis
Understand how customers allocate spending across different categories or vendors.
- Customer spending by category
- Wallet share by vendor
- Budget allocation analysis
Competitive Landscape
Map competitive positions across multiple dimensions simultaneously.
- Market position by geography
- Segment attractiveness vs share
- Competitive intensity mapping
Portfolio Analysis
Analyze revenue or investment distribution across multiple business dimensions.
- Revenue by BU and customer type
- Investment by sector and stage
- Sales by channel and product
When NOT to Use Mekko Charts
Only one dimension matters
Use standard bar or stacked bar instead
Showing change over time
Use line chart or waterfall instead
Comparing a few discrete categories
Use grouped bar chart instead
Audience unfamiliar with format
Use simpler visualization
If the variable width doesn't add meaningful insight, you're adding complexity without value.
Mekko Chart Example
A market sizing chart showing segment size and competitive shares
How to Create a Mekko Chart
Unlike waterfall charts, native PowerPoint and Excel cannot create true Mekko charts because they lack variable-width columns. Here are your options:
Excel Workaround
Use stacked area charts with invisible series to simulate variable widths. Works but takes 60-90 minutes and breaks easily when data changes.
Excel Marimekko guide →PowerPoint Add-ins
Tools like Deckary, think-cell, and Mekko Graphics create true Mekko charts in seconds with proper formatting and data linking.
PowerPoint Mekko guide →With Deckary
Create professional Mekko charts in under 60 seconds. Automatic formatting, Excel data linking, and consulting-grade styling at a fraction of think-cell's price.
Try Deckary free →BI Tools
Power BI, Tableau, and Qlik offer Mekko chart options for dashboards. Good for dynamic data but less control over presentation styling.
Create Professional Mekko Charts
Skip the 90-minute Excel workarounds. Deckary creates consulting-grade Mekko charts in seconds with automatic formatting and Excel linking—at 70% less than Mekko Graphics.
Mekko Chart FAQ
Common questions about Mekko and Marimekko charts