Stacked chart in excel are of three types, stacked column chart, stacked bar chart and 100% stacked column chart and 100% stacked bar chart, in stacked charts data series are stacked over one another for a particular axes, in stacked column chart the series are stacked vertically while in bar the series are stacked horizontally.
Stacked Chart (Table of Contents)
Stacked Chart in Excel
As we know, there are lots of charts in excel to showcase the data in a different manner. In this era, a chart can help the readers to visualize the key part of a large data set. Stacked Chart (Bars and Columns) are good for comparing the sub-segments of results, where sub-totals contributes the most to an overall sum.
A Stacked Bar Chart in excel shows a comparison of the component across all the categories. It is a variant of the bar chart. Each bar shows the total amount broken down in sub-total amount. The color of the product would be the same in each bar which helps us to understand the comparison in a better way.
Below is one of the example for the stacked chart:
So we can take the above example to understand in a better way. In Yr. 2010 the total no. of students took admission is 9361, hence the 1st bar is colored till 9361 in the above chart.
The color is defined for each course, which is the same for each graph. Like, if MBA is shown in Blue color then it is the same for each graph which helps us to make the comparison easier. If we have to see in which year, the no. of M.A students is highest among the four years, by looking into the chart, we can clearly see the grey part in 2013 is the longest one than the rest of the year. Simultaneously, we can find out the same for all, as per requirement.
How to Create Stack Chart in Excel?
Above, we saw What is Stack Chart and one example, now we will see that how to create Stack Chart in excel, step by step.
Example #1 – Stacked Column Chart in Excel
- Select all the data for which we have to create the Stacked Chart in excel, like below:
- Click on Insert and then click on Insert Column or Bar Chart like below:
- After clicking above one, one box will appear to select:
- Make sure we select Stacked Column only from 2-D or below box:
After selecting we have like below Stacked Area Chart in the result:
So, above one is the basic steps which one have to follow for creating Stacked Chart in excel.
Likewise, if we have to create in 3- D Format then we have to select the below one from 3-D Column:
After Clicking the circled one, below would be the result, which is nothing but a 3-D column Format:
Example #2 – Stacked Bar Chart in Excel
Above are the examples of 2-D & 3-D Column, now we will see the same in the Stacked Bar Chart format.
Below are the steps which is different from above one:
- So, instead of selecting the option from 2-D & 3-D Column, we have to select 2-D & 3-D Stacked Bar Chart like below:
Below would be the result for the data:
Here we can see the difference, the no. is horizontal here and the Q1, Q2… are vertically shown. It is the vice-versa of 2-D Column. If we select 3-D Stacked Bar chart, then it would be same but in 3-D format. So, we can analyze from above and conclude the various result, if we have to look out maximum no. of Pune in which quarter. First, see the color of Pune which is blue, given in the chart. Now, we have to see in which quarter blue bar is the largest, so it is the Q4 and no. is 26 if we look at data. Hence, it helps in taking a decision quickly.
Example 3 – 100% Stacked Chart in Excel
There is another type of Stacked Chart which 100% Stacked Chart in Excel, in which the bar would be 100% means in above examples the length of Bar or column is only total of the data but here the Bar or Column would be 100% and the colored part is as per data, like below:
So, we have to select the below one for the result:
Same, like above we can create for 3-D Cloumn,2-D Bar & for 3-D Bar as well by selecting 3rd one from above.
- 3-D Column (100% Stacked Column):
- 2-D bar(100% Stacked Chart in Excel):
- 3-D Bar (100% Stacked Chart in Excel) :
So, basically after observing we saw that there are four Stacked options:
- Stacked Bar
- Stacked Column
- 100% Stacked Bar
- 100% Column.
There is an option for 2-D and 3-D, which should be selected as per the needs and requirements of the presentation style.
When to Use Stacked Chart in Excel
- A Part-to-whole: With the help of the Stacked bar chart in excel, we can clarify the difference from part to whole and we can see what the chart is pointing out.
- Comparisons: the Stacked chart in excel is used for making the comparisons between the given data like values, productions or many others.
- Survey Results: To showcase the results of the survey, the stacked chart in excel is used to know the differences and highlighting.
- Rankings: The stacked chart in excel is also used for show the rankings over a period of time. The column and graph show the data by its length and differentiates it by a different color.
When Not to Use Stacked Chart in Excel
In the following situations, we have to avoid using the stacked chart:
- Deeper Analysis: It should be avoided when one has to make the deep analysis from the chart because it is preferable for quick decision making.
- Lots of Data: One has to avoid using the stacked chart when there are lots of data because it is very much difficult to analyze after seeing lots of variants.
Things to Remember About Stacked Chart in Excel
- One can change the color of the Bar or column by right-clicking and choose the correct option as per needs and requirements.
- Title of the chart can also be added to better understand or differentiate the data.
- The variants should be properly selected while creating a stacked chart so that the result and analysis should be done.
Stacked Chart in Excel Video
Recommended Articles
This has been a guide to Stacked Chart in Excel. Here we discuss its uses and how to create Stacked Chart in Excel (Column, Bar and 100% Stacked) along with excel example and downloadable excel templates. You may also look at these useful functions in excel –
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- Funnel Chart in Excel | Examples
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- Relevance and Uses of Histogram Formula
- Column Excel Chart
- Histogram Excel Chart
- Bubble Chart in Excel
- Gantt Chart in Excel
- Pie Chart in Excel
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