Chart1

16

14

4
12

4
10

10

13

15

2
0

Page 1

260958062.xls - Sheet1

02/19/2015 10:52:30

COMPARING COLUMN CHARTS

By Stephen Bullen, Stephen@oaltd.co.uk
This spreadsheet shows two different methods from creating charts which compare values in different columns.
The first is easier to produce, but the second may be easier to read. Note that the axis scale options have been set
to make the charts look correct.

METHOD 1
Uses two different column charts, overlaid to give
this effect. The series have different gap widths.
Series 1 Series 2 Series 3
Jan
6
3
2
Feb
8
3
3
Mar
7
3
2
Apr
9
3
4
May
7
3
3

10
8
6
4
2
0
Jan

Feb

Mar

METHOD 2
The labels are produced by starting with an invisible line chart.
Uses one stacked column chart to create the visible axis labels and values
Uses another stacked column chart to create the columns, plotted on the (hidden) secondary axis
The gaps are produced by missing out data in the series.
The series are from row 29 to 44 inclusive. This creates the small gap at each end of the chart, next to the axes.
Values for the column charts, plotted on the secondary axis:
Customers Added
Active Inactive
Lost
A
B

10

C
D

E
F

13

G
H

15

I
J

X axis labels and Y axis values, plotted on primary axis:

FY04
FY05
FY06
FY07
FY08
0
0
0
0

Page 2 of 3

Apr

May

260958062.xls - Sheet1

have been set

Mar

Column B
Column C
Column D

Apr

May

Page 3 of 3

02/19/2015 10:52:30