Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Create an Excel Heat Map Using UK Outward Postcodes

Phi Hung Vo Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to generate an accurate geographic heat map using UK postcodes, as mapping the full postcodes results in incomplete data visualizations.

How to Create an Excel Heat Map Using UK Outward Postcodes

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating geographic heat maps or filled map charts using a dataset of UK locations.
Observed behavior: Excel's mapping feature fails to recognize all full UK postcodes (e.g., DN16 3ST), leading to missing data points and an incomplete heat map.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection, as Excel's geographic map charts rely on Bing Maps to plot locations accurately.

Solution 1Recommended

Extract Outward Codes for Accurate Mapping

Separate the outward postcode (the first part of the postcode, e.g., 'DN16') into its own column. Bing Maps recognizes these broader district codes much more reliably than full, street-level postcodes.

Excel's Map feature works best with regional or district-level geographic data. Full UK postcodes contain both an outward code (district) and an inward code (sector/unit). By isolating the outward code, you significantly improve the software's ability to locate and plot the data.

Insert a New Column

Right-click the column letter directly to the right of your existing full postcodes and select 'Insert' to create a blank column. Name the header 'Outward Code'.

Extract the Outward Code

In the first blank cell of your new column, enter the formula =LEFT(A2, FIND(" ", A2)-1) (assuming your full postcode is in cell A2). Press Enter, then drag the fill handle down to apply this formula to your entire list.

Add Country Detail (Optional but Recommended)

If you have data from multiple countries or want to prevent regional conflicts, add another column titled 'Country' and fill it with 'UK' or 'United Kingdom'.

Create the Heat Map

Highlight your newly extracted 'Outward Code' column alongside your data values. Go to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon, click on 'Maps', and select 'Filled Map' to generate your visualization.

Extract Outward Codes for Accurate Mapping

Data Refinement Tip: If you still encounter unrecognized locations, click on the warning icon on the chart to review the specific outward codes. Adding broader geographic columns like County or Country usually resolves remaining ambiguities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Excel recognize my full UK postcodes on the map?

Excel relies on Bing Maps to plot locations. While Bing Maps handles regions, cities, and outward postal codes well, it often struggles to perfectly map highly specific, street-level data like full UK postcodes on a regional heat map.

Is there a way to separate outward postcodes without using formulas?

Yes. You can use the 'Text to Columns' feature. Select your full postcodes, go to the 'Data' tab, click 'Text to Columns', choose 'Delimited', check the 'Space' box, and finish. This splits the postcode into two separate columns.

What should I do if a specific outward code is still mapping to the wrong country?

You need to provide the mapping service with more context. Add an adjacent column labeled 'Country' and populate it with 'United Kingdom'. Select both columns when inserting your map so Excel knows exactly which country's postal system to use.

Can I use 3D Maps to plot full postcodes instead of Filled Maps?

Excel's 3D Maps (formerly Power Map) sometimes handles granular data slightly better than the basic Filled Map chart. You can try highlighting your full data set and navigating to Insert > 3D Map to see if it plots your full postcodes more accurately.

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