How to Change Width of Column in Excel Chart (with Easy Steps)

Step 1 – Prepare Data Set with Additional Information

• We have the following sample dataset where we have the sales data of a general store for two years.
• We will create a column chart using this data and change its width.

Step 2 – Utilize Charts Group

• Select the data range C5:E12.
• Go to the Charts group in the Insert tab of the ribbon.
• Select the Insert Column or Bar Chart command from the group.

• You will find a list of column and bar charts.
• Under the 2-D Column label, select Clustered Column.

Read More: How to Create a Variable Width Column Chart in Excel

Step 3: Create Clustered Column Chart

• After selecting the Clustered Column command from the previous step, a Clustered Column will be inserted into your worksheet.

• Set the title of the column chart as Sales Per Year.

Read More: Examples of Column Chart in Excel

Step 4 – Select Format Data Series Command

• Click on any of the data bars in the chart.

• Right-click on the selected bars.
• From the context menu, select Format Data Series.

Read More: How to Create Graphs in Excel with Multiple Columns

Step 5 – Change Gap Width of Data Bars

• You will see the Format Data Series window pane in your worksheet after the previous step.
• Go to the Gap Width command under the Series Options label.

• You can use the zoom bar to decrease or increase the width of the bar.

• Slide the zoom bar to the right to increase the gap width.

Read More: How to Create a Comparison Column Chart in Excel

Step 6 – Change of Column Width

• The following image shows that the data bars are wider than the actual bars shown in Step 3.
• This suggest that after decreasing the Gap Width, the width of the bar will increase.

• After increasing the Gap Width, you will see thinner bars on your column chart like in the following image.

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