How to Make a Grouped Bar Chart in Excel (With Easy Steps)

This tutorial will demonstrate how to make a grouped bar chart in Excel. Compared to a simple bar chart, a grouped bar chart is slightly different. In the simple bar chart, there is no need to arrange data. But, in the grouped bar chart we need to arrange data in a specific order. You will be able to create a grouped bar chart easily once you have finished this tutorial.

What Is Grouped Bar Chart?

A grouped bar chart is also known as a clustered bar chart. This kind of chart displays the values of various categories in different time periods. Grouped bar charts help to represent data after comparing it in multiple categories.

How to Make a Grouped Bar Chart in Excel: Step-by-Step Procedures

Throughout the tutorial discuss the steps to make a grouped bar chart in Excel. To illustrate the steps we will use the following dataset. So, from the given dataset we will get our final bar chart. The dataset contains the number of sales in different cities in a particular year. Here, we can see the data has been recorded randomly. To make a grouped bar chart we need to group the data. Then, using that grouped data we will create a grouped bar chart.

STEP 1: Insert Clustered Column Chart

Firstly, select the data range (B4:D13).
Additionally, go to the Insert tab.
Select the Clustered Column option from the Chart option.

Hence, we get a chart like the following image.

STEP 2: Modify Chart by Sorting Column Data

Secondly, to create a grouped bar chart in Excel we have to sort the column data.
Now, sort the Year and City columns like the following image.

Therefore, our previous chart will look like the following image after sorting.

STEP 3: Group Similar Data Together

Thirdly, we will create groups with similar types of data. To do this insert a blank row after each group of data.

So, look at the chart now. The above action adds extra blank space between the groups as well.

After that, interchange the Year and city columns.
Subsequently, keep only one city name per group. Delete the remaining ones.

Thus, the chart appears like the following image. We can see the names of cities and years on the x–axis.

STEP 4: Format Existing Grouped Chart

Furthermore, we will do some formatting in our existing chart.
To format the chart select it and click on the bars.

Then, press ‘Ctrl + 1’.
The above command opens the ‘Format Data Series’ box to the right of the chart.
In the ‘Format Data Series’ box set the value of ‘Gap Width’ to 0%. It will combine the bars of the same category in one place.

Also, go to the Fill Check option ‘Vary colors by point’.

So, we get the result like the following image. Here, bars of the same category are not only in combined form but also in different colors.

STEP 5: Convert Clustered Column Chart to Clustered Bar Chart

In the final step, we will convert our existing clustered column chart to a clustered bar chart.
To do this, first, select the chart.
Next, select Chart Design > Change Chart Type.

A new dialogue box named ‘Change Chart Type’ will appear.
Then, go to the ‘All Charts’ tab. Click on the chart-type option Bar.
Subsequently, select the ‘Clustered bar’ option from the available chart types in the Bar.
Now, click on OK.

As a result, we get the clustered column chart converted into the clustered bar chart in the following image.

Things to Remember

Charts are the best way to analyze data since graphs portray data more precisely.
We must arrange the data in a particular order to make a grouped bar chart.
One can change the chart type after making a grouped bar chart.
The effectiveness of the grouped bar chart depends on the arrangement of the data.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here.

Make Grouped Bar Chart.xlsx

Conclusion

In conclusion, this tutorial shows how to make a grouped bar chart in Excel with easy steps. Use the practice worksheet that comes with this article to put your skills to the test. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Our team will make every effort to react to you as quickly as possible.

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