How to Make a Bar Graph with Multiple Variables in Excel

In many cases, you may need to make a Bar Graph in Excel with multiple variables. A Bar Graph is a great way to show the relationship or the comparison between multiple variables. In Microsoft Excel, you can make a Bar Graph with multiple variables using simple steps. This article demonstrates how to make a Bar Graph with multiple variables in Excel.

Why Multiple Variables in a Bar Graph Are Necessary?

A Bar Graph is a type of graph that shows complete data with rectangular bars or shapes. Generally, the length or height of a bar determines the value. A Bar Graph with multiple variables is used to show the relationship or the comparison between more than two variables. For example, if you want to show the relationship or the comparison of the sales of three different models of cars for different years you can use a Bar Graph with multiple variables in Excel.

Making a Bar Graph in Excel is a very convenient way to show comparisons between multiple data. Now, I will show you a simple example of how to make a Bar Graph with multiple variables in Excel.

Let’s assume we have a dataset that shows the Sales Quantity of three different laptop models over different weeks. The names of the laptop models are MacBook Air M1, Dell XPS 13, and MacBook Pro 16. At this point, you want to show a comparison of their Sales Quantity with the help of a Bar Chart in Excel. Now, follow the steps below to do so.

Step 01: Inserting a Bar Graph with Multiple Variables in Excel

In this step, we will add a Bar Graph for two different models first. In this case, the models are MacBook Air M1 and Dell XPS 13. Also, you can add a Bar Chart for more than two models using this step.

First, select range B6:D12.

In this case, cell B6 is the first cell of the column Week and cell D12 is the last cell of the column Dell XPS 13.

Then, go to the Insert tab.
After that, select Insert Column or Bar Chart.
Next, click on Clustered Bar to insert a Bar Graph.

Step 02: Editing Legends in Bar Graph

Furthermore, we may edit legends in Bar Chart to make it more understandable.

First, right-click on the chart.
Then, click on Select Data.

At this point, a Select Data Source box will open up.
Next, select Series 1 from the Legend Entries (Series).
Consequently, click on Edit.

Now, in the Series name insert the cell C5 which indicates the name of the model MacBook Air M1.
Then, click on OK.

Similarly, change Series 2 to Dell XPS 13.
Finally, click on OK.

After adding the legends, you will have output as shown in the screenshot below.

Step 03: Adding Another Variable in a Bar Graph with Multiple Variables

In this step, we will add one more variable to the Bar Chart. In this case, the variable will be the Sales Quantity of the model MacBook Pro 16.

First, right-click on the chart to open the Select Data Source box.
Then, click on Add under the Legend Entries (Series).

Then, in the box for Series name insert cell E5 which indicates the name of the model Macbook Pro 16.

After that, in the box for Series Value insert range E6:E12.

Here, cells E6 and E12 are the first and last cells of the MacBook Pro 16 column respectively.

Next, click on OK.

Subsequently, click on OK.

Step 04: Adding and Editing Axis Titles

Now, in this step, we will add Axis Titles to the Bar Graph to make it more understandable and visually appealing.

First, select the chart.
Next, click on Chart Elements.
Now, check the box for Axis Titles.

At this point, double-click on the Axis Titles to edit the text.
In this case, change the X-axis title to Sales Quantity and the Y-axis title to Week.

Note: Similarly, you can add other chart elements to the chart like Data Labels or Data Tables, if you prefer to do so.

Step 05: Formatting Data Series in Excel Bar Graph

Finally, in this step, we will format the Data Series according to our own preferences. In this case, we will change the bar color of the model MacBook Pro 16 to green.

First, select the Data Series of MacBook Pro 16 by clicking on its respective bar.
Then, double-click on the bar to open the Format Data Series options.
Next, go to Fill.
At this point, select the color Green from the Color options.

Lastly, you will have an output as shown in the screenshot below.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from the link below.

Making a Bar Graph with Multiple Variables.xlsx

Conclusion

In this article, I have shown five simple steps of how to make a Bar Graph with multiple variables in Excel. Moreover, you can use these steps for as many variables as possible in a Bar Graph. Last but not least, I hope you found what you were looking for in this article. If you have any queries, please drop a comment below.

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