What is a stacked bar chart?
A stacked bar chart divides every bar into segments. The full bar communicates a category total while each colored segment shows one component. It is useful for channel mix, departmental spending, response breakdowns, and other datasets where composition and total both matter.
Prepare the data
Place categories in the first column. Give every component its own numeric column with a descriptive header. Use the same component order and color across all bars so the chart remains consistent.
Best practices
- Limit the number of segments so the legend remains readable.
- Put the most important or largest segment at the baseline, where comparison is easiest.
- Use a regular bar chart when totals alone carry the message.
- Avoid stacking positive and negative values in the same bar unless the chart explicitly supports a diverging layout.
Frequently asked questions
What does a stacked bar chart show?
It shows both the total for each category and the components that make up that total.
How should I format the data?
Use the first column for category labels and one additional numeric column for each segment in the stack.
When is a grouped bar chart better?
Use grouped bars when comparing each series precisely matters more than emphasizing the category total.