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Pareto chart maker
One category per line: a name, then a count or cost (comma, tab or spaces between). Paste straight from a spreadsheet.
How a Pareto chart is built
- Total each category and sort from largest to smallest.
- Draw the bars in that order; put "Other" last.
- Add a line for the cumulative percentage.
- The categories up to the point where the line crosses about 80% are the vital few. Work on those first.
Read more: Pareto chart guide · Pareto analysis for Green Belts · Fishbone diagram · 5 Whys
FAQ
What is the 80/20 rule in a Pareto chart?
Often a few categories account for most of the problem: roughly 80% of the effect from 20% of the causes. It is a tendency, not a law. The chart shows where your own data actually cross 80%.
What should I count?
Whatever measures the pain: number of defects, scrap cost, downtime minutes or complaints. A Pareto by count and a Pareto by cost often rank the categories differently. Cost is usually the better guide for where to act first.
What do I do with the 'other' category?
Group small categories into 'Other' so the chart stays readable, but keep 'Other' last even if it is large. If 'Other' is one of the biggest bars, split it up: it is hiding something.
What comes after the Pareto chart?
Take the biggest bar and break it down again (a second-level Pareto), then use a cause-and-effect diagram or 5 Whys to find root causes for it.
This shows up on the exams as a calculation question. Practice it with new numbers every time, and every wrong answer explained.
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Link to this calculator
Using it in a training deck, an SOP or a forum answer? Copy this link. It stays free.
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