Intro
Unlock the power of data visualization with overlapping bar charts in Excel. Discover 7 easy methods to create stacked, layered, and overlapping bar charts to showcase complex data relationships. Learn how to use Excels built-in features, formulas, and add-ins to create informative and engaging charts with overlapping bars.
Creating overlapping bar charts in Excel can be a useful way to visualize data that has multiple categories or groups, allowing for easy comparison and analysis. While Excel doesn't have a built-in feature to create overlapping bar charts, there are several workarounds to achieve this effect. Here, we'll explore seven methods to create overlapping bar charts in Excel.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the methods, let's cover the basics of bar charts in Excel. A bar chart is a type of chart that displays data as rectangular bars, where the length of each bar represents the value of the data point. In a typical bar chart, each bar is displayed side by side, making it easy to compare values.
Method 1: Using the "Overlap" Feature
Excel 2019 and later versions have an "Overlap" feature that allows you to create overlapping bar charts. To use this feature:
- Select the data range you want to chart.
- Go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Bar Chart".
- In the "Bar Chart" dialog box, click on the "Overlap" button.
- Adjust the overlap percentage to achieve the desired level of overlap.
Method 2: Using a Secondary Axis
Another way to create overlapping bar charts is to use a secondary axis. This method involves creating two separate bar charts, one on the primary axis and the other on the secondary axis.
- Select the data range you want to chart.
- Go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Bar Chart".
- Right-click on the chart and select "Select Data".
- In the "Select Data" dialog box, click on the "Add" button and select the second data series.
- Right-click on the second data series and select "Format Data Series".
- In the "Format Data Series" dialog box, click on the "Secondary Axis" button.
Method 3: Using a Chart Template
You can also create overlapping bar charts using a chart template. A chart template is a pre-designed chart that you can use to create your own charts.
- Select the data range you want to chart.
- Go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Chart Template".
- In the "Chart Template" dialog box, select the "Overlap" template.
- Adjust the chart settings to suit your needs.
Method 4: Using a Combo Chart
A combo chart is a type of chart that combines two or more chart types. You can use a combo chart to create overlapping bar charts.
- Select the data range you want to chart.
- Go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Combo Chart".
- In the "Combo Chart" dialog box, select the "Bar Chart" and "Line Chart" options.
- Adjust the chart settings to suit your needs.
Method 5: Using a Stacked Chart
A stacked chart is a type of chart that displays data as stacked bars. You can use a stacked chart to create overlapping bar charts.
- Select the data range you want to chart.
- Go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Stacked Chart".
- In the "Stacked Chart" dialog box, select the "Bar Chart" option.
- Adjust the chart settings to suit your needs.
Method 6: Using a 3D Chart
A 3D chart is a type of chart that displays data in three dimensions. You can use a 3D chart to create overlapping bar charts.
- Select the data range you want to chart.
- Go to the "Insert" tab and click on "3D Chart".
- In the "3D Chart" dialog box, select the "Bar Chart" option.
- Adjust the chart settings to suit your needs.
Method 7: Using a Custom Chart
You can also create overlapping bar charts using a custom chart. A custom chart is a type of chart that you can create from scratch using Excel's charting tools.
- Select the data range you want to chart.
- Go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Custom Chart".
- In the "Custom Chart" dialog box, select the "Bar Chart" option.
- Use the charting tools to create a custom chart that meets your needs.
Gallery of Overlapping Bar Charts
Overlapping Bar Chart Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with the necessary information to create overlapping bar charts in Excel. Whether you're using the "Overlap" feature, a secondary axis, or a custom chart, there are many ways to create overlapping bar charts that meet your needs. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.