How to Create a Bar Chart in Excel

Creating a bar chart is one of the most common ways to visually represent data in Microsoft Excel. Whether you need to showcase sales figures, survey responses, or any other type of numerical information, a bar chart can help you display it in a clear and concise manner. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a bar chart in Excel, highlighting the key features and options that you need to be aware of to create an effective and professional-looking chart.

Step 1: Enter Data in Excel

The first step in creating any chart in Excel is to enter your data into a spreadsheet. In this example, we will use fictional sales data, with monthly sales figures for the first six months of the year:

Step 2: Select the Data

Once you have entered your data, select the cells containing the data you want to use for your chart.

Step 3: Insert a Bar Chart

With your data selected, head to the Insert tab on the top ribbon, and click on the Bar Chart icon:

A drop-down menu will appear, allowing you to select from a variety of bar chart types. For this example, we will use the Clustered Bar Chart:

Step 4: Customize Your Chart

With your chart inserted, you can customize it to suit your needs. You can add and remove chart elements, change the chart type, adjust the colors and fonts, and more. To customize your chart, simply click on it to activate the Chart Tools tab on the top ribbon:

From here, you can make any changes you wish to the chart. For example, you can add a chart title and axis titles, change the colors of the bars, and adjust the spacing between the bars:

Conclusion

With just a few simple steps, you can create a professional-looking bar chart in Excel. Whether you want to showcase sales figures, survey responses, or any other type of data, a bar chart can give you a clear and visually appealing way to present your information. So start experimenting with different chart types and styles, and see how you can use Excel to create charts that are both informative and visually engaging.

Other Types of Bar Charts

While the clustered bar chart is one of the most commonly used types of bar charts, there are many other types of bar charts available in Excel.

Stacked Bar Chart

A stacked bar chart is similar to a clustered bar chart, but the bars are stacked on top of one another, instead of being side-by-side. This can be useful when you want to show how a total is divided up into different categories. To create a stacked bar chart, simply select the stacked bar chart option under the bar chart dropdown menu.

100% Stacked Bar Chart

A 100% stacked bar chart is similar to a stacked bar chart, but the bars show the relative percentage of each category, rather than the actual values. This can be useful when you want to compare the percentage breakdown of different categories. To create a 100% stacked bar chart, select the 100% stacked bar chart option under the bar chart dropdown menu.

Final Thoughts

Bar charts are a great tool for visualizing data in Excel. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a professional-looking bar chart that highlights the important data points you want to convey. Remember to experiment with different chart styles and customization options to find the one that works best for your needs. With time and practice, you can become a master of bar charts in Excel!

FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about creating bar charts in Excel:

Can I create a bar chart using non-numerical data?

No, bar charts are designed to represent numerical data only. If you have non-numerical data, consider using a different type of chart.

Can I change the order of the bars in my chart?

Yes, you can change the order of the bars in your chart by rearranging the order of the data in your spreadsheet.

How do I add labels to my bars?

To add labels to your bars, you can use the Data Labels feature in Excel. Simply select your chart, head to the Chart Tools tab on the top ribbon, click on Add Chart Element, and then select Data Labels.

Can I change the color of my bars?

Yes, you can change the color of your bars by selecting your chart, then clicking on the individual bars you want to change. You can then select a new color from the Format Data Series menu that appears on the right side of your screen.

How do I remove gridlines from my chart?

To remove gridlines from your chart, simply select your chart and head to the Chart Tools tab on the top ribbon. From there, click on the Chart Elements option, and uncheck the Gridlines box.