Step 1: Prepare your data

Before learning how to create a stacked bar chart in Excel, ensure your data is organized correctly. Your data should be in a table format, with categories in the first column and series names as headers in the following columns.

Open a blank Workbook in Excel and insert these values. 

Step 2: Select your data

Highlight the entire data range, including headers and data points. This ensures everything is captured in the stacked bar chart.

Step 3: Insert a stacked bar chart

Once you’ve selected your data, the next step in how to create a stacked bar chart in Excel is to insert the chart.

Go to the Insert tab in the Excel ribbon. In the Charts group, click on the Bar Chart icon.

Select Stacked Bar from the dropdown menu. You will see choices like a 2D stacked bar, a 3D 100% stacked bar, a 2D stacked column, etc. Pick the one that suits your preference. 

This action will insert a stacked bar chart into your Excel worksheet.

Step 4: Customize the chart

Once the chart is inserted, it’s time to give it a personal touch. ✨

Moreover, customization is key when learning how to create a stacked bar chart in Excel. Make sure your chart clearly reflects the data.

You have a few options to customize your chart here:

• Chart title:  Add a title that reflects the data you’re showcasing—clear and to the point. Remove if not necessary 
• Axes labels: Add or modify the axes labels by selecting the chart and navigating to the Chart Tools in the ribbon. Under the Design tab, click on Add Chart Element and then choose Axis Titles
• Colors and styles: To change the color scheme or style of the chart, click on the chart, go to the Chart Tools > Design tab, and choose a style or color that fits your preference
• Data labels: To add data labels, select the chart, go to the Chart Tools > Design tab, click on Add Chart Element, and choose Data Labels

💡 Pro Tip: When deciding how to create a stacked bar chart in Excel, consider your audience. Tailor your visuals to ensure they communicate the intended message.

Step 5: Adjust data series and layout 

To further refine your chart:

• Right-click on any data series within the chart
• Choose Format Data Series to access customization options, such as gap width, series overlap, and more
• Adjust the chart layout by selecting different elements, such as legends, gridlines, and data tables, under the Chart Tools > Design tab

Step 6: Save and share your stacked column chart

After customizing your chart to your satisfaction, you’re ready to share it! You can save your Excel workbook or export the chart as an image for presentations and data reports.

• To save the chart as an image, right-click on the chart and select Save as Picture
• Choose the file format (e.g., PNG, JPEG) and save it to your desired location

Also Read: 11 Best Reporting Tools & Software in 2024

Limitations of Creating Bar Charts in Excel

While Excel is a go-to for data visualization, it has some restrictions that get in the way while working with stacked charts:

• Limited customization options: Excel offers basic customization options. For example, you can’t easily create complex chart designs or incorporate interactive elements
• Handling large datasets: Got thousands of data points? Excel might start slowing down, making your chart clunky. Excel might also struggle with performance issues or slow chart rendering
• Static visualizations: An Excel stacked bar chart is static.This means you can’t create interactive dashboards where users can filter data in real time, such as toggling between different periods or data sets
• Manual updates required: If your data changes frequently, updating the chart requires manual intervention. For example, if your data source updates daily, you’ll need to reconfigure the chart or use formulas to reflect these changes
• Collaboration challenges: Excel doesn’t support real-time collaborative editing. You’ll need to share files back and forth, which can get messy and cause sync issues.