Chapter 20: Getting Started with Excel Charts
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The remainder of this chapter contains more information about the various Excel chart
types. The examples and discussion may give you a better handle on determining the most
appropriate chart type for your data.
Column charts
Probably the most common chart type is the column chart, which displays each data point
as a vertical column, the height of which corresponds to the value. The value scale is dis-
played on the vertical axis, which is usually on the left side of the chart. You can specify
any number of data series, and the corresponding data points from each series can be
stacked on top of each other. Typically, each data series is depicted in a different color or
pattern.
Column charts are often used to compare discrete items, and they can depict the differ-
ences between items in a series or items across multiple series. Excel offers seven column-
chart subtypes.
Figure 20.17 shows an example of a clustered column chart that depicts monthly sales for
two products. From this chart, it’s clear that Sprocket sales have always exceeded Widget
sales. In addition, Widget sales have been declining over the five-month period, whereas
Sprocket sales are increasing.
The same data, in the form of a stacked column chart, is shown in Figure 20.18. This chart
has the added advantage of depicting the combined sales over time. It shows that total
sales have remained fairly steady each month, but the relative proportions of the two prod-
ucts have changed.
FIGURE 20.17
This clustered column chart compares monthly sales for two products.