Creating a Double Bar Graph in Excel

Excel offers a range of chart types to visualize data, and one of the most versatile is the double bar graph, also known as a grouped bar chart. This type of graph allows you to compare two sets of data side by side, making it ideal for highlighting trends, patterns, and differences between categories. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a double bar graph in Excel, providing you with the skills to effectively communicate your data insights.

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Before diving into the graph creation process, it’s crucial to ensure your data is structured correctly. Excel expects data for a double bar graph to be arranged in a specific format:

• Category Labels: These labels represent the categories you want to compare. They should be unique and non-repeating.
• Data Series: You’ll need two columns of data, each representing a set of values you want to compare for each category.

Here’s an example of how your data might look:

Step 2: Insert a Double Bar Graph

With your data prepared, it’s time to create the double bar graph:

1. Select Data: Highlight the entire data range, including the category labels and both data series.
2. Insert Chart: Navigate to the “Insert” tab on the Excel ribbon. In the “Charts” group, click on the “Insert Column or Bar Chart” dropdown and select “100% Stacked Bar” from the “2-D Bar” section. This will create a double bar graph where each category’s values add up to 100%.

Step 3: Customize Your Graph

Excel’s default graph settings might not always align with your preferences. Here’s how you can customize your double bar graph:

• Change Chart Title: Double-click on the default chart title (“Chart Title”) and enter your preferred title.
• Edit Axis Labels: To modify the category labels, right-click on the x-axis and select “Format Axis.” In the “Axis Options” tab, you can change the axis labels and adjust their position.
• Add Data Labels: If you want to display the actual values on the bars, right-click on the bars and select “Add Data Labels.”
• Format Data Series: To change the color of the bars or apply other formatting options, select the bars and use the “Format” tab on the Excel ribbon.

Step 4: Enhance Visual Appeal

To make your double bar graph more visually appealing and easier to interpret:

• Apply Color Schemes: Excel offers a range of color schemes. Select the chart and use the “Design” tab to explore different color options.
• Add Gridlines: Gridlines can improve readability. Go to the “Layout” tab, click on “Gridlines,” and choose the desired gridline style.
• Adjust Legend: If your graph has a legend, you can move it to a more suitable position by dragging it with your mouse.

Step 5: Interpret Your Data

Now that your double bar graph is ready, it’s time to interpret the data:

• Compare Trends: Look for patterns or trends in the data. Do certain categories consistently have higher values in one data series compared to the other?
• Identify Outliers: Are there any categories with significantly different values in one data series compared to the other? These could be potential outliers.
• Analyze Proportions: Since you’ve created a 100% stacked bar chart, you can easily compare the proportions of each data series within each category.

Step 6: Save and Share Your Graph

Once you’re satisfied with your double bar graph, you can save and share it:

• Save as Image: To save your graph as an image, right-click on it and select “Save as Picture.” Choose the desired image format and location.
• Insert into Document: If you want to include your graph in a report or presentation, simply copy and paste it into your document.
• Share Online: Excel allows you to share your workbook online. Go to the “File” tab, select “Share,” and choose the appropriate sharing options.

Conclusion

Creating a double bar graph in Excel is a powerful way to visualize and compare two sets of data. By following these steps, you can effectively communicate trends, patterns, and differences between categories. Remember to customize your graph to match your data’s narrative and ensure it is easily interpretable. With Excel’s versatile charting capabilities, you can create visually appealing and informative graphs to support your data analysis.

FAQ

Can I create a double bar graph with more than two data series?

+

Yes, you can create a double bar graph with more than two data series. Simply add additional columns of data to your dataset, ensuring each new data series has its own column. When inserting the chart, Excel will automatically group the data series together, allowing you to compare multiple sets of data side by side.

How can I change the order of the categories in my double bar graph?

+

To change the order of the categories in your double bar graph, you can sort your data in Excel before creating the chart. Simply select the data range, including the category labels, and use the “Sort” feature. Choose the desired sorting option, such as ascending or descending, and Excel will rearrange the data accordingly. When you create the chart, it will reflect the new category order.

Can I add error bars to my double bar graph?

+

Yes, you can add error bars to your double bar graph to indicate the variability or uncertainty in your data. After creating the chart, select the bars for which you want to add error bars. Go to the “Layout” tab and click on “Error Bars.” Choose the desired error bar type, such as standard error or standard deviation, and specify the amount of error to display. Excel will then add error bars to your graph, providing additional context to your data.

How do I change the gap width between bars in my double bar graph?

+

To change the gap width between bars in your double bar graph, you can adjust the “Gap Width” setting. Select the chart and go to the “Format” tab. In the “Current Selection” group, click on the “Format Selection” dropdown and choose “Format Data Series.” In the “Series Options” section, you’ll find the “Gap Width” slider. Adjust the slider to increase or decrease the gap width between the bars, allowing you to customize the spacing to your preference.

Can I add a trendline to my double bar graph?

+

Yes, you can add a trendline to your double bar graph to visualize the overall trend or pattern in your data. After creating the chart, select the data series for which you want to add a trendline. Go to the “Layout” tab and click on “Trendline.” Choose the desired trendline type, such as linear or exponential, and specify any additional options. Excel will then display the trendline on your graph, helping to identify the underlying trend in your data.