How to Make a Column Chart in Excel

Column Charts are Used to Compare Data

Column Charts are often referred to as bar charts. However, in Microsoft Excel, a column chart has bars that run vertical while a bar chart has bars that run horizontal. Both charts are used to compare data points in one or more series of data. Note: If you are tracking data over time, then use a line graph instead of a column chart.

Column Charts in Excel

To create a column chart in Excel, select your data, then click on the Insert tab and then Column. There are various choices of bar shapes (2-D, 3-D, Cylinder, etc) and formats (clustered, stacked or 100% stacked.)

Specialized Column Charts for Advanced Analysis

Consider using these types of column charts to better analyze and display your data:

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Learn More...

• Line Graphs
• Histograms
• Pareto Principle