How to Use Comparison Bar Chart in Excel (2 Practical Examples)

Example 1 – Year-over-Year Comparison with a Bar Chart

We have the data for goals scored by famous footballers in the 2016/17 and 2015/16 seasons. Let’s compare their scores between the years.

Steps:

• Select the entire range (B4:D10) and go to Insert, then select Chart and choose 2-D Bar Chart.

• You will see the Bar Chart that represents the data from our Excel sheet. Name the Bar Chart.

• We can see a comparison but there is no data labeling. Click on the Plus Icon beside the Bar Chart.
• Uncheck the Gridlines.
• Select Data Labels and choose Outside End.

• To create a gap between adjacent bars, right-click on any of the bars and select Format Data Series…

• Change the Series Overlap and Gap Width.

• The comparison Bar Chart looks nicer and cleaner.

Read More: Year Over Year Comparison Chart in Excel

Example 2 – Comparing Several Sets of Data

The dataset contains the average temperatures for New York, Alaska, and Ohio for the first six months of the year.

Steps:

• Select the entire dataset (B4:H7) and Insert a 2-D Bar Chart.

• This chart needs some improvements.

• Change the Series Overlap and Gap Width like in Example 1.

• Right-click on the chart and pick Select Data.

• Select Switch Row/Column in the Select Data Source window and click OK.

• You can see the comparison between months by city.

Practice Section

Use the download file to practice creating a comparison bar chart in the dedicated section.

Download the Practice Workbook

Related Articles

• How to Create Weekly Comparison Chart in Excel
• How to Create Month to Month Comparison Chart in Excel
• How to Create Quarterly Comparison Chart in Excel

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