Mekko Chart - Definition, Examples, and Best Practices

What is a mekko chart?

A mekko chart (also called a marimekko chart) uses variable-width columns to display two dimensions of data simultaneously. Unlike a standard bar graph where all bars have the same width, a mekko chart encodes a second variable in the column width. The height of each segment within a column represents one measure (e.g., market share), while the width of the column represents another (e.g., market size).

This dual encoding makes the mekko chart uniquely powerful for strategic analysis - it shows both the size of a market and the competitive dynamics within it in a single view. It's a chart type you'll find in virtually every strategy consulting deck.

When to use a mekko chart

Mekko charts are best suited for situations where two related dimensions need to be compared at once. Typical use cases:

• Market landscape analysis - mapping market size by segment (width) against each competitor's share within that segment (height). This is the classic consulting use case
• Portfolio analysis - showing revenue by business unit (width) against margin or growth rate composition (height) to visualize where value is created
• Geographic comparison - comparing region size (width) against product mix or channel mix within each region (height)
• Competitive positioning - showing how industry revenue is distributed across segments and which players dominate which segments

Mekko charts work best when you have 3-7 columns and 2-5 segments per column. More than that and the chart becomes difficult to read.

How to read a mekko chart

Read the width of each column first - wider columns represent larger categories (bigger markets, bigger business units). Then read the segments within each column from bottom to top - they show the composition within that category. The total area of each colored rectangle represents its absolute value across both dimensions.

Best practices

• Label both dimensions clearly. Width and height represent different variables - if the reader doesn't understand what each encodes, the chart fails
• Order columns by width (largest to smallest) unless there's a logical grouping that takes priority (e.g., geographic regions from West to East)
• Use a consistent color scheme for the segments across all columns so the reader can track a category (e.g., a specific competitor) across the chart
• Add percentage labels within segments. Since column widths vary, the visual size of segments can be misleading - numbers add precision
• Consider whether a simpler chart would work. Mekko charts are information-dense. If your audience isn't comfortable with them, a stacked bar chart or two separate charts may communicate more effectively