In this digital era, creating visually appealing and insightful data representations is crucial.
Consequently, stacked charts have become important tools for both data scientists and
business analysts.
These handy charts are not only effective for visualizing data but also inspire
data-driven decision-making processes. Keep reading to better comprehend the art of creating
compelling stacked charts.
Understanding What a Stacked Chart Is
Alt text: Four packs of different-colored sticky notes stacked on top of each other representing
the stacked nature of a stacked chart.
Before delving deeper into the intricate art of creating stacked charts, getting a grip on the
fundamentals is quintessential. Simply put, a stacked chart is a graph that is used to display the
cumulative magnitude of multiple data series. It effectively represents part-to-a-whole relations.
Its configuration positions data series vertically, giving substance to the word ‘stacked.’ This
results in a comprehensive representation of grouped and individual data values. The primary
advantage of using this type of chart is the ability to compare total and individual values at a
glance.
Apart from the visual appeal, stacked charts can be instrumental in discerning patterns and
trends within multiple data series. They are essential when data series share a common unit of
measure or category.
The visual display of data in the stacked chart enables quick interpretation and comparison of
data. This helps users, especially business managers and data analysts, make informed
decisions based on data-driven insights.
Getting Started: How To Create a Basic Stacked Chart
Having grasped the importance and types of stacked charts, creating one should be your next
step. Here is how to create a basic stacked chart using Microsoft Excel.
Firstly, ensure you have your data ready in a clear and structured format. Each data series
should have its column. Next, highlight the entire data table—including the header—and
navigate to the ‘Insert’ tab on the Excel toolbar.
Select the ‘Column’ option and then choose the ‘Stacked Column’ option from the flight-out
menu. Automatically, Excel generates a basic stacked chart, and you can start customizing it
according to your preferences.
Remember, creating a stacked chart starts with understanding your data. This will guide you on
the type of stacked chart to use.
Key Components of Stacked Charts: Categories,
Series, and Data Points
For a well-rounded understanding of stacked charts, comprehending their key components is
crucial. These components include categories, series, and data points.
Categories or X-axis describe the different data groups. For instance, in a sales volume stacked
chart, the categories may denote different fiscal quarters or months.
Series, on the other hand, represent the individual stacks making up one stack column. Each
stack reflects a specific data series. In our sales volume example, this could be sales figures
from different regions.
Last but not least, data points represent the individual contributions of each series. Keeping in
mind these components is vital in making your stacked chart a valuable analytical tool.
Enhancing Readability: Adding Legends, Labels, and
Titles to your Stacked Chart
Alt text: A pair of glasses hovering over a book with blank pages apart from where the lenses hit
the page, revealing words and showing enhanced readability.
Creating a stacked chart isn’t just about stacking columns. Enhancing readability with legends,
labels, and titles is equally important. These elements improve the comprehension and
aesthetic appeal of your chart.
Add appropriate chart titles to provide users with a clear notion of what the chart represents.
The title should succinctly summarize the chart’s intention. Additionally, secondary axis titles
can be utilized to describe the measurement units.
Legends are crucial for specifying what each color or pattern in your stack represents. A right-
click and select add legend will give you several placement options. Choose the one that
enhances readability.
Finally, consider label addition. Labels on your chart will assist users in interpreting the figures
represented by the stacks visually. Remember, the goal is to have a readable and insightful
stacked chart.
Overall, creating an effective stacked chart is a blend of understanding the key concepts, being
aware of common challenges and their solutions, and implementing these advanced tips to
spruce up your chart. With the tips provided in this guide, creating an insightful and compelling
stacked chart should be a walk in the park.
