Marimekko chart: definition, examples, and best practices.

What is a marimekko chart?

A marimekko is a variable-width stacked bar. Column width shows one share dimension, such as regional market size. Segment height shows another, such as vendor share inside that region. The full rectangle is a map of the market, not a simple bar graph.

It is denser than a bar mekko and illegible faster. Cap the number of columns and segments, or the chart stops being a decision tool.

A worked example

Global cloud infrastructure market by region (width) and vendor share (height).

When to use a marimekko chart

• Mapping a market by segment size and competitor share
• Showing category mix inside regions of very different scale
• Comparing portfolio weight and product mix in one frame
• Strategy slides where two share questions must be answered together

When not to use it

• When you only need variable width without internal shares, use a bar mekko
• When categories are equal weight and you only need mix, use a 100% stacked bar

How to read it

Width is the first share dimension. Height within a column is the second. Compare areas when you need the combined weight of a vendor in a region.

Best practices

• Cap at five or six columns. A marimekko becomes illegible faster than any other type
• Keep segment count tight and colours consistent with the rest of the deck
• Label the width dimension in the subtitle so readers know what the columns mean
• Sort columns by size when the market structure is the story
• Avoid tiny residual segments. Fold them into Other