Create a Bar Chart in Excel

Bar charts are horizontal versions of column charts, which use vertical bars. Both visualize data to compare categories, but bar charts are better suited for datasets with lengthy text labels due to their horizontal orientation.

1. Creating a Bar Chart

Step 1. We need to select all the data which we need to include in the chart.

In our example we will select a range from A1:C6.

Step 2. It's very important to include the row headings if we want to use values as labels on the chart.

Step 3. Under the Insert menu, we will find the options for Bar Charts, choose from the multiple designs mentioned in the image below:

In our case we are creating a Column chart and bar graph, so click the Column button first. The following options will then be displayed. As we'll be able to see, there are many options available. Select 3D Clustered Column Chart. We can change it to at least one of the opposite chart types later if we decide that this one doesn't suit our requirements.

 Once we select a chart type, Excel will automatically create the chart and insert it into our worksheet. 

2. Types of Bar Charts

There are some examples of different types of charts 

2.1 Clustered column Charts

Compares values across categories using vertical bars.

2.2 Stacked column

Shows parts of a whole across categories with stacked vertical bars.

2.3 100% Stacked Column

Displays percentage contributions to a total across categories.

2.4 3-D Clustered Column

Adds 3D effect to compare values across categories.

2.5 3-D 100% Stacked column

Stacks parts of a whole in 3D vertical bars.

2.6 3-D Column

Compares values with a third axis for depth.

2.7 Clustered Bar Charts

Compares values across categories using horizontal bars.

2.8 Stacked Bar

Shows parts of a whole across categories with stacked horizontal bars.

2.9 100% Stacked Bar

Displays percentage contributions to a total.

2.10 3-D Clustered Bar

Adds 3D effect to compare values horizontally.

2.11 3-D Stacked Bar

Stacks parts of a whole in 3D horizontal bars.

2.12 3-D 100% Stacked Bar

Shows percentage contributions in 3D.

Note the following points about this chart:

1. Excel has automatically put labels on an angle to fit neatly into the space available.

2. The legend to the right of the chart contains the column heading from our spreadsheet. we can change them by editing the headings in our data table.

3. Excel has chosen these colors based on a default theme. we can change the theme if we need to and the colors will change automatically. we can also override the colors manually if we need to.

4. There is no title on the chart by default. we can add one manually or choose a chart layout that includes one.