Plots data in vertical columns.
Make comparisons between discrete categories.
2D and 3D options are available.
Data Format
- Plot both nominal and ordinal data.
- x-axis: Categories (e.g. time series)
- Categories are distributed evenly along the horizontal axis.
- Becomes visually complex as more categories are added.
- y-axis: Data Series (e.g. population by year)
- Series are distributed evenly along the vertical axis.
- Compare column lengths to see a data series change over time.
- Reordering the bars can change interpretation.
- Chart handles positive and negative values.
- For a chart with many data points, use a Line chart.
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 1 | # | # | # | # | # |
Try it now!
- Select a country/region using the dropdown list to view the changes in population over a 10 year period.
- Note how the chart and title adjust to reflect the different population values of each country/region.
- This chart was built using data validation lists, named ranges, conditional statements and the COUNTIF, IF, IFERROR, MATCH, OFFSETand RANK functions.
Related Charts
- Bar
- Clustered Column or Clustered Bar
- Stacked Column or Stacked Bar
- 100% Stacked Column or 100% Stacked Bar