Plots data in vertical columns and a filled area.
Make comparisons between discrete categories.
Enables charting of values from diverse data sets.
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 (#) and population growth (%) by year)
- Series are distributed evenly along the primary and (optional) secondary vertical axis.
- Compare column lengths and area chart to see data series change over time.
- Reordering the bars can change interpretation.
- Chart handles positive and negative values.
- Data from one series can be hidden behind another series.
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 1 | # | # | # | # | # |
| Series 2 | # | # | # | # | # |
Try it now!
- Select a country/region using the dropdown list to view the changes in population and population growth over a 10 year period.
- Note how the chart and title adjust to reflect the different population values of each country/region.
- Total population in millions is on the left axis. Population growth in percent is on the right axis.
- Note how the chart view can be changed by switching data sets between the column or area view. There are actually 2 charts below.
- The first 5 years show Total Population as columns and Population Growth as an area chart.
- The last 5 years show Total Population as an area chart and Population Growth as columns.
- This chart was built using data validation lists, named ranges, conditional statements and the IF, INDEX and MATCH functions.
Related Charts
- Column, Clustered Column or Stacked Column or 100% Stacked Column
- Area or Stacked Area or 100% Stacked Area
- Combo Column Line