Radar Chart

Also Known As
Spider Chart
Star Chart
Web Chart
Description

The radar chart is a weblike graph, featuring spokes that emanate from the center connected by lines. It is a means of portraying measurements involving several variables that contribute to the whole, with all variables carrying an equal amount of importance.

Uses

When the relative importance of the variables is unimportant.

For performance or progress tracking or reporting.

When a quick overview of a number of different variables is desired.

To compare performance across or against organizations.

When multiple variables are considered measures of overall performance.

How do I use this tool?

1. IDENTIFY THE VARIABLES to be measured.

2. For each variable, DETERMINE THE MEASUREMENT SCALE and which end of the scale indicates positive performance.

3. DRAW THE CHART. To determine the angle between the chart’s spokes, divide 360 degrees by the number of criteria. Then draw the spokes outwards from the center, making sure they are spaced evenly and all have the same length. Add your measurement scale to the spokes, where undesirable performance is in the center of the chart.

4. For each variable, MARK ITS MEASUREMENT on the corresponding spoke using a large dot. When finished, connect the dots.

5. REPEAT STEP 4 if you wish to show performance by a different subject or at another time. Use a new set of style lines.

6. ASSESS OVERALL PERFORMANCE. The part of the web that is closest to the center will indicate areas that need improvement.

Expertise Required
This tool is easy to use and requires little or no training.
Advantages

Easily indicates areas in need of improvement or areas that are succeeding.

Disadvantages

All variables are considered to carry equal weight.

Where can I go to learn more?

Tague N. The tools. In: O'Mara P, editor. The quality toolbox. 2nd ed. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press; 2005. p. 93-521.

Andersen B. Creating a business process improvement road map. In: O'Mara P, editor. Business process improvement toolkit. 2nd ed. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press; 2007. p. 75-92.