Description

The stacked column chart stacks vertical bars that represent different groups on top of each other. The height of the stacked bar shows the combined value of the groups. They show the cumulative values of a data item and compare the parts to the whole.

When to Use

It’s particularly useful when comparing relative and absolute changes over time. However, stacked column charts are not suited to data sets where some groups have negative values. In such cases, grouped column chart are preferable.

Dos

• Always start at zero baseline
• Use horizontal labels to improve readability
• Space between bars should be roughly 50% of the bar width

Don'ts

• Don’t use shadow effects
• Don’t use 3D effects
• Don’t stacked too many groups at once (five or fewer is ideal)

Tools available

Other chart types of comparison