Excel: Stacked columns in a diagram - how it works

Stacked columns can be very clear in an Excel chart and help you with important information in compact presentations. In this article, we will tell you how to create such diagrams.

Stacked columns in Excel charts

This tip applies to Excel Online, which is included in the free Office 365 package for students. The differences from other versions of Excel are not serious, however, since the overlay is largely identical.

• First of all, you need to create a data table. In our example we have inserted the costs of two trips to show them in the diagram.
• It is important that you use categories and have individual components that can be represented as parts of the columns.
• Now mark the data table and add a diagram with "Insert / Diagram". You can select the "Column" type and then specify it using "Stacked Columns".
• The chart can now be either normal or percentage. Select the variant that suits you.
• If the labeling is wrong, you can swap the data using "Change row / column". This will display them correctly again.

If you also use Excel for your finances, you have your financial planning under control with this extension.