Column Chart

A column chart is a bar chart with vertical bars. Column height represents a value, such as orders per month or responses per survey option. Use it when labels are short and the number of categories fits the available width.

Orders by monthSample data

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View sample data

What the example shows

June has 210 orders, compared with 120 in January. March falls to 132 after February reaches 145. Each column shows that month's orders, not the total since January.

A line chart can show the same values when the main question is about the trend. Columns put more emphasis on each period's amount.

Grouped and stacked columns

Grouped columns put related values side by side. For example, each month could contain one column for new customers and one for returning customers. Keep the group order consistent.

Stacked columns place those values on top of each other. Use them when the parts add up to a useful total. A 100% stacked chart shows each part's share, but hides changes in the total amount.

Keep labels and scales clear

Start the value axis at zero. Give every column the same width and leave a visible gap between categories. There is no single gap ratio that suits every chart size.

Keep months in date order. For a category ranking, sort by value. If labels need steep rotation or are cut off, switch to a horizontal bar chart.

Compare like periods. A partial month will usually have fewer orders than a complete month, so mark it clearly or leave it out of the comparison.