What is an hourglass chart?

The Hourglass Chart provides a compelling visual metaphor for time-based progress, project completion, or any scenario where you need to show the relationship between completed and remaining work. This timeless visualization uses the familiar hourglass symbol to create an immediate understanding of progress and remaining effort.

Key Features

• Time metaphor: Classic hourglass design instantly communicates temporal concepts
• Progress visualization: Adjustable ratio shows completed vs. remaining work
• Dual labeling: Separate titles and descriptions for both completed and remaining portions
• Interactive adjustment: Slide to modify the completion ratio dynamically
• Value formatting: Comprehensive number formatting options with customizable display

Best Use Cases

• Project management: Show how much work is completed vs. remaining
• Time tracking: Visualize elapsed time against total project duration
• Resource utilization: Display consumed vs. available resources
• Budget tracking: Show spent vs. remaining budget allocation
• Goal progress: Track advancement toward objectives or targets
• Process completion: Monitor manufacturing, development, or operational progress

Configuration Options

Customize your hourglass visualization with detailed controls:

• Completion ratio: Slider control to set the percentage of work completed (0-100%)
• Top section: Title and description for the remaining/incomplete portion
• Bottom section: Title and description for the completed/finished portion
• Value formatting: Precision, decimal marks, separators, prefix/suffix options
• Font scaling: Option to scale value text for better visual hierarchy

Visual Design Philosophy

The hourglass metaphor effectively communicates several important concepts:

• Time passage: Sand flowing from top to bottom represents natural progression
• Finite resources: Fixed total amount emphasizes resource constraints
• Urgency: Visual reminder that time or resources are limited
• Progress: Clear visual indicator of how much has been accomplished
• Momentum: Flowing sand suggests ongoing activity and progress

Data Representation

The hourglass uses a simple but powerful ratio system:

• Top portion: Represents remaining work, time, or resources
• Bottom portion: Shows completed work or consumed resources
• Ratio control: Percentage slider for precise progress indication

This visualization is particularly effective in presentations where you need to create urgency around deadlines or emphasize the finite nature of resources while clearly showing current progress levels.

Hourglass Chart: What's new?