Set Up a Column Chart

Set Up a Column Chart

Back to Create a New Chart

Column charts are great for comparing multiple categories by one or more value. A column chart requires an x-axis category and at least one y-axis data series.

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Multiple y-axis series will add an additional bar in each x-axis category. Stacked column charts will stack the bars in each category.

If you haven’t yet, select a data source.

As you’re building your chart, use the Preview button in the upper right to check your work in progress.

Chart Options (Choose X & Y Axis)

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X (Category) Axis

Select Category Axis – Select which column of categories you would like to compare. The dropdown list will auto-populate with columns from your data source.

Enable Data Grouping – Group x values of the same category. Typically, you want grouping enabled. If off, each individual data point will be a separate column.

Y (Value) Axis

Series – Specify what value you would like to compare between the categories. Add additional y-axis series to compare.

Aggregate – If you have enabled grouping on the x-axis, aggregate the y-axis data you are comparing (sum, first, min, max, average, count). By default, chart plus compares the sum of y values.

Data Label – Toggle data labels for each Y series.

Secondary Axis – If using more than one Y series, you can add a secondary axis on the right side of the chart. The secondary axis will automatically adjust it’s range to include the maximum Y value from the series mapped to it.

(If using a stacked column chart, you must have more than one Y series to use the secondary axis feature.)

Legend Title – Customize legend titles for each y-axis series.

X-Axis Configuration

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Data Type Settings – Appears if you select a Date/Time value for the x-axis. Configure how date categories display (date or time) and the scale of the x-axis. “Automatic” sizes the x-axis according to the scale of your dataset.

Appearance

X Axis Title – Toggle title display at top of chart and customize title text.

X-Axis Labels – Toggle x-axis labels & their display angle.

Gridlines & Tickmarks – Customize which gridlines and tickmarks display along the x-axis.

Display X-Axis Line – Toggle the x-axis line that runs along the bottom of the chart between the bars and x-axis labels.

Category X-Axis labels – Customize category names that appear on the x-axis.

Sort

Sort Axis – Specify an ascending or descending sort order for how categories display on the x-axis.

Y-Axis Configuration

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Secondary Axis – If you have a secondary y-axis, use the buttons at the top of the Y-Axis tab to switch between axis settings.

Data Type Settings

Data Type – Select a data type for y values (general, number, currency, date, time, percentage, scientific).

Format – Configure details on how Y values will display on the axis and labels. Date types also require you to select the date scale for the y-axis.

Appearance

Y-Axis Title – Toggle title display at top of chart and customize title text.

Y-Axis Labels – Toggle y-axis labels and their display angle & position.

Gridlines & Tickmarks – Customize which gridlines and tickmarks display along the y-axis.

Y-Axis Range – Configure the minimum and maximum values visible on the y-axis. These default to “auto” and adjust to the range of your dataset. Not available for “Date” & “Time” data types or 100% stacked column.

Display Y-Axis Line – Toggle the y-axis line between the y-axis scale and the chart canvas.

Next: Configure the Chart Display Settings