How to Adjust Chart Spacing in Excel Clustered Column

Microsoft Excel is a powerful program. We can perform numerous tasks on datasets using Excel tools and features. There are many default Excel functions that we can use to create formulas. Many educational institutions and business companies use excel files to store valuable data. Sometimes, we need to plot graphs or create charts in Excel. Charts help users to understand particular survey results better as they help to visualize the dataset. Again, we may have to adjust the column spacing in the chart. This article will show you 4 simple methods to adjust clustered column chart spacing in Excel.

Clustered Column Chart Spacing in Excel: 4 Easy Ways

There are multiple chart types available in Excel. Among them, the clustered column chart is useful whenever we want to compare values based on some categories. To illustrate, we’ll use a sample dataset as an example. For instance, the following dataset contains the sales figures of a product for 4 quarters in NY and LA. The clustered column chart is a must in such cases, as we’ll be comparing the sales in 2 different cities. However, we’ll also need to modify the spacing between the columns at times. This article will show the 4 easy ways to do that in Excel.

1. Format Data Series to Adjust Clustered Column Chart Spacing in Excel

In our first method, we’ll use the Format Data Series feature to adjust the spacing. Moreover, we’ll show the steps to create the clustered column chart. Afterward, we’ll adjust the spacing in the chart. Therefore, follow the steps below to perform the task.

STEPS:

• First, select the range B4:D8.

• Then, go to the Insert tab and click the Insert Column or Bar Chart drop-down icon.
• After that, choose the 2-D Clustered Column.

• As a result, the desired clustered column chart will appear in the excel worksheet.
• See the below figure.

• Now, right-click any of the columns in the chart.
• Next, press Format Data Series in the pop-out Context menu.

• Consequently, the Format Data Series pane will emerge on the left side.
• There, modify the Series Overlap and the Gap Width according to your requirements.
• The Series Overlap is between the sales of each quarter in 2 cities.
• And the Gap Width is between the quarters.
• Here, we type -5% for Series Overlap and 50% for Gap Width to reduce the spacing between the columns for convenience in comparison.

• Thus, it’ll return the chart as shown below.
• This makes it better to compare visually.

Read More: How to Create a 2D Clustered Column Chart in Excel

2. Adjust Excel Clustered Column Chart Spacing by Adding Legend

Moreover, we can add a legend to create the spacing between the columns. So, learn the following steps to carry out the operation.

STEPS:

• Firstly, create the chart by following the steps in the previous example.
• Subsequently, right-click the chart.
• Press the Select Data option from the context menu.

• Hence, the Select Data Source dialog box will pop out.
• Click on Add.

• The Edit Series box will appear.
• Input ={0} in the Series Values field.
• Then, press OK.

• Finally, you’ll get desired spacing between the columns in the clustered column chart.

Read More: How to Insert a 3D Clustered Column Chart in Excel

3. Modify Dataset for Changing Column Chart Spacing in Excel

Again, we can modify our dataset if we want to add more spacing between the columns. In this method, we’ll show how you can add blank rows after every quarter. Hence, follow the process to adjust the spacing between the columns in the clustered column chart.

STEPS:

• First of all, right-click on the row header of the Q2 row.
• Select Insert from the pop-up context menu.

• Similarly, repeat the step after every quarter.
• In this way, you can modify your dataset.
• Look at the following picture for a better understating of our output.

• Now, select the range B4:D11.
• Then, go to Insert and choose 2-D Clustered Column chart.
• Thus, you’ll get extra spacing between the columns in the chart.

4. Drag Clustered Column Chart Area to Adjust Spacing

In our last method, we’ll show a simple process to adjust the spacing between the columns. It may come in handy at times. Therefore, learn the process.

STEPS:

• In the beginning, insert the chart following the steps in the 1st example.
• Afterward, click the chart and place the cursor on the midpoint in the right or left side edge of the chart.
• Soon, you’ll see the change in your cursor and the Chart Area writing will appear.

• There, click on the mouse and drag the chart area to adjust the spacing.
• See the below figure which is our outcome after modifying the chart area.

Download Practice Workbook

Download the following workbook to practice by yourself.

Conclusion

Henceforth, you will be able to adjust clustered column chart spacing in Excel using the above-described methods. Keep using them and let us know if you have more ways to do the task. Don’t forget to drop comments, suggestions, or queries if you have any in the comment section below.

Related Articles

• How to Insert a Clustered Column Chart in Excel
• How to Create a Stacked Column Chart in Excel
• How to Make a 100% Stacked Column Chart in Excel
• Show Percentage in 100 Stacked Column Chart in Excel

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