Side by Side Stacked Bar Chart in Excel

Completed Chart.

Completed Chart.

Problem:

This type of chart has stumped Google searches and some of the Excel gurus that I know… How on earth do you compare daily, monthly, or quarterly data by year using stacked bar charts?  The catch:  the bar charts need to be next to each other.  Example:  Q1 of 2009 data should be represented next Q1 of 2008 data.




Solution:

  • Each month, quarter, or day needs to have it’s own row. (X-Axis Label)
  • The data for each month, quarter, or day needs to be staggered year by year.
  • When all the data is entered, select your data, insert chart  (stacked bar).  Note:  If you’re using a Mac you might have to change the format of the data.
picture-1

Data behind the chart.



Download Excel File here.

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  • http://www.graphsmadeeasy.com john sheppard

    Using Graphs Made Easy, add 4 different brick colours, then set values for the dates as required – done.
    (note: I work for Graphs Made Easy so would be biased.)