Creating A Chart With Stacked And Unstacked Columns
Introduction
Charts are an essential part of data visualization, and they help in presenting the data in a more understandable and straightforward way. Charts come in different types, and each type serves a specific purpose. In this article, we will discuss creating a chart with stacked and unstacked columns.
What are Stacked and Unstacked Columns?
Stacked columns are a type of chart where multiple data series are stacked on top of each other for a specific category. The height of each stacked column represents the cumulative value of the data series for that category. Unstacked columns are another type of chart where each data series is represented by a separate column for a specific category. The height of each column represents the value of the data series for that category.
How to Create a Chart with Stacked and Unstacked Columns?
Creating a chart with stacked and unstacked columns is relatively simple, and here are the steps:
- Select the data range that you want to use for the chart.
- Click on the Insert tab in Excel, and then click on the Column Chart icon.
- Select the Stacked Column or Unstacked Column chart type, depending on your preference.
- Customize the chart as needed, such as adding a chart title, axis titles, and legends.
- Click on the chart to activate the Chart Tools tab, and then use the formatting options to customize the chart's appearance further.
Advantages of Using Stacked and Unstacked Columns
There are several advantages of using stacked and unstacked columns:
- Stacked columns help in comparing the total value of multiple data series for a specific category.
- Unstacked columns help in comparing the value of each data series for a specific category.
- Stacked columns are useful for showing the composition of a total, such as the percentage contribution of each data series to the total.
- Unstacked columns are useful for showing the absolute values of each data series.
Examples of Using Stacked and Unstacked Columns
Here are some examples of using stacked and unstacked columns:
- Stacked columns can be used to show the revenue composition of a company's different products over time.
- Unstacked columns can be used to show the sales figures of different salespersons for a specific period.
- Stacked columns can be used to show the percentage contribution of different expenditure categories to the total expenditure of a company.
- Unstacked columns can be used to show the actual values of different expenditure categories for a specific period.
Conclusion
Creating a chart with stacked and unstacked columns is an excellent way of presenting data in a clear and concise manner. Stacked columns are useful for comparing the total value of multiple data series for a specific category, while unstacked columns are useful for comparing the value of each data series for a specific category. By using the right type of chart, you can convey your data's message more effectively.
