How to Create Clustered Stacked Bar Chart in Excel (Easy Steps)

What Is a Clustered Stacked Bar Chart?

A clustered stacked bar chart combines elements of both clustered and stacked bar charts. It consists of clusters of columns or bars, where each cluster represents a category or group. Within each cluster, the bars are stacked to show subcategories or components. This type of chart is commonly used to visualize data with multiple dimensions or hierarchical structures.

Dataset Overview

Let’s assume we have a dataset representing quarterly sales for a company in three regions over two years.

Steps:

Select the data range (e.g., C4:G12) that you want to use for your chart.
Go to the “Insert” tab.
Choose Column or Bar Chart and select Stacked Column.

Once the stacked column chart appears on your sheet, you can further customize it to enhance its appearance and readability.

Customizations for Your Clustered Stacked Bar Chart

Let’s explore some essential customizations:

Changing Column Gap Width

To adjust the gap between columns within a cluster:
- Right-click on any cluster.
- Select Format Data Series from the context menu.

- In the formatting field on the right side of your Excel window, set the gap width to 0%.

- This eliminates gaps between columns, resulting in continuous clustered columns.

Read More: Excel Chart Bar Width Too Thin

Formatting the Vertical Axis

Modify the vertical axis to control axis limits, major and minor units, etc.:
- Right-click on the vertical axis.
- Choose Format Axis.

- Set the minimum and maximum limits (e.g., maximum limit of 80000).

The customized chart will look like the image below:

Changing Chart Design

Excel offers various chart designs:
- Click anywhere on the chart.
- Go to the Chart Design ribbon and select a design from the Chart Styles section.
- For example, choose Style 2 to display values within the clusters.

This design shows the values in the cluster.

Changing Colors

Customize column colors to make your chart visually appealing:
- Click anywhere on the chart.
- Navigate to Chart Design > Change Colors.
- Select your desired color scheme (e.g., Colorful Palette 3).

The color of the chart has changed according to our selection.

Editing Cluster Borders

Adding borders to clusters improves clarity:
- Follow the steps from the Changing Column Gap Width section.
- Click on the Fill & Line icon.
- Choose a color for the border (e.g., black).