A column chart is a primary Excel chart type, with data series plotted using vertical columns. Column charts are a good way to show change over time because it’s easy to compare column lengths. Like bar charts, column charts can be used to plot both nominal data and ordinal data , and they can be used instead of a pie chart to plot data with a part-to-whole relationship.
Column charts work best where data points are limited (i.e. 12 months, 4 quarters, etc.). With more data points, you can switch to a line graph.
Pros
- Easy to read
- Simple and versatile
- Easy to add data labels at ends of bars
Cons
- Become cluttered with too many categories
- Clustered column charts can be difficult to interpret
Tips
- Add data labels where when it makes sense
- Avoid all 3d variants
A stacked column chart is a basic Excel chart type to allow part-to-whole comparisons over time, or across categories. In a stacked column chart, data series are stacked one on top of the other in vertical columns.
Stacked column charts can show change over time because it’s easy to compare total column lengths. However, except for the first series of data (next to the x-axis) and total bar length, it’s difficult to compare the relative size of the components that make up each bar. As categories or data series are added, stacked column charts quickly become complicated.
Pros
- Multiple categories and data series in compact space
- Can show change over time
Cons
- Difficult to compare all but first series
- Become visually complex as categories or series are added
Tips
- Limit data series and categories
- Avoid all 3d variants
