Stacked Area Chart With Positive And Negative Values Excel
A stacked area chart is a chart that displays the trend of the contribution of each value over time or any other category. The chart is composed of multiple data series, each representing a category or a subcategory. The values of each data series are stacked on top of one another to form a cumulative total. This article will explain how to create a stacked area chart with positive and negative values in Excel.
Step 1: Prepare the Data
To create a stacked area chart with positive and negative values, you need to prepare the data in a specific way. The data should have three columns: one for the category or subcategory, one for the positive values, and one for the negative values. The positive values should be entered as positive numbers, and the negative values should be entered as negative numbers.
Step 2: Insert the Chart
Once you have prepared the data, you can insert the chart. Select the data range, including the headings, and go to the Insert tab on the ribbon. Choose the Stacked Area chart type from the Charts group.
Step 3: Format the Chart
After inserting the chart, you can format it to make it more presentable. You can change the chart title, axis titles, and legend. You can also change the chart style, colors, and fonts. To format the chart, select it, and go to the Design and Format tabs on the ribbon.
Step 4: Add Data Labels
You can add data labels to the chart to show the exact values of each data series. To add data labels, select the chart, and go to the Design tab on the ribbon. Click on the Add Chart Element button, and choose Data Labels from the dropdown menu. You can position the data labels inside or outside the data series.
Step 5: Adjust the Axis Bounds
If the values of the data series are very different from each other, you may need to adjust the axis bounds to show all the values clearly. To adjust the axis bounds, select the chart, and go to the Format tab on the ribbon. Click on the Axis Options button, and choose Fixed from the dropdown menu. Enter the minimum and maximum values for the axis bounds.
Step 6: Save the Chart
After formatting the chart, you can save it as an image or a PDF file. To save the chart as an image, right-click on the chart, and choose Save as Picture from the dropdown menu. To save the chart as a PDF file, go to the File tab on the ribbon, and choose Save As. In the Save As dialog box, choose PDF as the file type.
Conclusion
Creating a stacked area chart with positive and negative values in Excel is a useful way to represent data that has both positive and negative contributions. By following the above steps, you can create a professional-looking chart that clearly shows the trend of each data series over time or any other category.