{"id":20027,"date":"2022-07-05T09:06:13","date_gmt":"2022-07-05T09:06:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/?p=20027"},"modified":"2026-02-17T15:09:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T10:09:22","slug":"segmented-bar-graph","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/segmented-bar-graph","title":{"rendered":"Segmented Bar Graph: Make Layered Data Understandable"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Analyzing part-to-whole relationships of key variables within your data is easier said than done. The situation is further made worse with an increase in the size of data.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/segmented-bar-graph-01.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4345\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/segmented-bar-graph-01.jpg\" alt=\"Segmented Bar Graph\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/utmAction\/MTYrYmxvZytncytjZXhwbyswNjgr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4345\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-graph-generator-in-google-sheets-1-068.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"308\" height=\"143\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/utmAction\/MTYrYmxvZyt4bCtjZXhwbyswNjgr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4345\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-graph-generator-in-excel-1-068.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"308\" height=\"143\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>It would help if you had a chart that&#8217;s primarily designed to help show the comparison between categories within your data. Tables are not recommended, especially if the size of your data is enormous.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, you need a Segmented Bar Graph.<\/p>\n<p>The visualization design can help you display how a larger category is divided into smaller sub-categories and their relationship to the whole.<\/p>\n<p>Each bar in a Segmented Bar Graph represents the whole. The segments within the bars represent different parts that contribute to the aggregate value.<\/p>\n<p>Data visualization tools, such as Google Sheets, come with basic Segmented Bar Graphs. Essentially, you have to do a ton of customizations and editing, which takes significant amounts of time. You can transform Google Sheets into a reliable tool by installing third-party add-ins.<\/p>\n<p>In this blog, you&#8217;ll learn:<\/p>\n<h3>Table of Content:<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#tb1\">What is a Segmented Bar Graph?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tb2\">Why Segmented Bar Diagram Important?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tb3\">Types of Segmented Bar Chart<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tb4\">Top 3 Segmented Bar Graph Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tb5\">When Should You Use a Segmented Bar Graph?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tb6\">How Do You Make a Bar Graph With Segments?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tb7\">Pros &amp; Cons of Segmented Bar Graphs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tb8\">Segmented Bar Chart Best Practices<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tb9\">FAQs: Segmented Bar Graph<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#wrap-up\">Wrap Up<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Lastly, we&#8217;ll recommend the best tool to use to access ready-made Segmented Bar Graphs (also known as Stacked Bar Chart).<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tb1\">What is a Segmented Bar Graph?<\/h2>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-chart-068.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4345 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-chart-068.jpg\" alt=\"segmented bar chart\" width=\"650\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><strong>Definition:<\/strong> The Segmented Bar Graph (also known as Stacked Bar Chart) is essentially an extension of the standard Bar visualization.<\/p>\n<p>Each bar in the chart is divided into several sub-bars stacked end-to-end. The <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/stacked-bar-chart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stacked Bar Chart<\/a> is best suited for tracking the trends of key data points over time. Besides, it outperforms other visualization designs in displaying part-to-whole relationships.<\/p>\n<p><em>Why?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The chart is easy to read and interpret. Besides, it can handle bulky data without appearing cluttered. You can leverage the chart to display how the composition of the subcategory changes over time.<\/p>\n<p>To get the most from a Stacked Bar Chart, incorporate highly contrasting colors to ease interpretation. Avoid almost similar colors because they may distort the composition of the respective bars.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, numerical values should be indicated within or above each subcategory to facilitate comparison. But be aware of using these annotations judiciously to avoid visual clutter.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, the Segmented Bar Graph above depicts revenue from a fictional fitness retailer for a particular period, across two categorical variables: store location and department.<\/p>\n<p>The primary categorical variable is store location.<\/p>\n<p>Apple Road and Lime have the highest revenue. Each bar is subdivided into clothing, equipment, and accessories. According to the Segmented Chart above, equipment is the key driver of revenues for the brand.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re wondering <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/how-to-make-a-graph-from-a-table\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">how to make a graph from a table<\/a> to visualize such data, you can use tools like Excel or Power BI to create segmented bar charts that highlight these key revenue drivers effectively.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tb2\">Why Segmented Bar Diagram Important?<\/h2>\n<p>Segmented bar diagrams, also known as stacked bar charts, are important because they make complex data easy to understand. By stacking different segments in a single bar, they show both individual parts and the total value at a glance.<\/p>\n<p>This helps in comparing categories and their components, highlighting proportions clearly, and analyzing trends over time. They&#8217;re visually appealing, making data presentations more engaging, and they support better <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/data-driven-decision-making\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">data-driven decision-making<\/a> by presenting detailed information in a clear, structured way.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tb3\">Types of Segmented Bar Charts<\/h2>\n<p>There are three types of Segmented Bar Chart, namely:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3>Simple Segmented Bar Graph<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The chart (mentioned above) places the absolute value of each subcategory after or over the previous one.<\/p>\n<p>You can use the graph to show the absolute value of each subcategory and their totals relative to the aggregate value of the category. Usually, the bars have varying heights or lengths.<\/p>\n<p>Just like a typical Bar Chart, the bars in this visualization design can be oriented horizontally (with primary categories on the vertical axis) or vertically (with primary categories on the horizontal axis).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3>Hierarchical Segmented Bar Chart<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Suppose variables in your data represent the whole that has been subdivided into parts across two major categorical variables. In that case, your go-to chart should be the <strong>Hierarchical Segmented Bar Chart. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A Hierarchical Segmented Bar Chart is made up of bars split into subcategories.<\/p>\n<p>Each of the primary bars may have a similar height but vary within subcategories. The aforementioned interprets sub-bars easier, especially when comparing multiple categories for in-depth insights.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3>Percentage Segmented Bar Graph<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each primary bar in a Percentage Stacked Bar is scaled to have the same height. But its subcategories have varying heights depending on their respective numerical values.<\/p>\n<p>Each subcategory within a Percentage Stacked Bar Chart adds up to 100%.<\/p>\n<p>The similar heights of each primary bar create a baseline at the top of the chart, which eases interpretation.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tb4\">Top 3 Segmented Bar Graph Examples<\/h2>\n<p>Segmented bar graphs are great for comparing parts of a whole. They show how different categories contribute to a total. Let&#8217;s look at some examples.<\/p>\n<h3>Example 1: Sales Data by Region<\/h3>\n<p>Imagine a company that wants to compare sales across different regions. A segmented bar graph can help. The bar for each region is split into sections. Each section shows sales for a product type.<\/p>\n<p>This makes it easy to see which products are popular in each region. You can quickly <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/trend-analysis-in-excel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">trends analysis<\/a> and differences. This helps businesses make informed decisions.<\/p>\n<h3>Example 2: Survey Results on Customer Satisfaction<\/h3>\n<p>Surveys often gather data on <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/csat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">customer satisfaction<\/a>. A segmented bar graph is perfect for displaying these results. Each bar can represent a different question. The segments show the percentage of responses in each category, such as &#8220;satisfied,&#8221; &#8220;neutral,&#8221; and &#8220;dissatisfied.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This visual helps identify areas where improvements are needed. It also highlights strengths.<\/p>\n<h3>Example 3: Population Distribution by Age and Gender<\/h3>\n<p>Demographic studies often use segmented bar graphs. These graphs can show population distribution by age and gender. Each bar represents an age group.<\/p>\n<p>The segments within the bar display the percentage of males and females. This helps in understanding demographic trends. It is also useful for planning services and resources.<\/p>\n<p>Keep reading because we&#8217;ll address the following in the coming section: when should you use a Segmented Bar Graph?<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tb5\">When Should You Use a Segmented Bar Graph?<\/h2>\n<p>The chart places the absolute value of each subcategory after or over the previous one.<\/p>\n<p>You can use this graph as well as different types of graphs, such as a <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/side-by-side-bar-chart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Side-By-Side Bar Chart example<\/a>, to show the absolute value of each subcategory and their totals relative to the aggregate value of the category. Usually, the bars have varying heights or lengths.<\/p>\n<p>The key goal of a Segmented Bar Graph is to show part-to-whole relationships in your data. The chart can also be expressed in percentage form depending on the context. For instance, you can easily showcase the subcategories making the whole in percentages summing up to 100%.<\/p>\n<p>The main objective of a standard Bar Chart is to compare numeric values between levels of a categorical variable. A bar is plotted for each level of the categorical variable.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, a Segmented Bar Graph achieves the aforementioned objective and still targets the second goal&#8217; of displaying relative decomposition insights.<\/p>\n<p>The chart is plotted for each level of the categorical variable. More so, each bar&#8217;s length indicates the value of the variables under study.<\/p>\n<p>Use the visualization design if your goal is to display the relative composition of key data points. You can also use the <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/how-to-make-a-stacked-bar-chart-in-excel-with-multiple-data\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stacked Bar Chart with multiple data<\/a> to display <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/charts\/comparison-charts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">comparisons between key data points<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>So, how do you make a Bar Graph with segments?<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tb6\">How Do You Make a Bar Graph With Segments?<\/h2>\n<p>Google Sheets has built-in charts you can use to extract answers from your data.<\/p>\n<p>However, you&#8217;ll never find a ready-to-use Segmented Bar Graph for your <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/data-analysis-in-excel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">data analysis<\/a>. The most viable option available for you is installing a particular third-party add-on (we&#8217;ll talk about later) to access ready-made Segmented Bar Graphs.<\/p>\n<p>You don&#8217;t need to do away with Google Sheets in favor of other expensive tools; you can effectively create a <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/how-to-make-a-stacked-bar-chart-in-google-sheets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stacked Bar Chart in Google Sheets<\/a> to visualize your data without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n<p>We recommend you try the ChartExpo <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/tools\/google-sheets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">add-on for Google Sheets<\/a> because of the reasons listed below.<\/p>\n<p>ChartExpo does not require coding or programming skills, unlike other <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/data-visualization-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">data visualization<\/a> add-ons. More so, it has an ultra-friendly user interface (UI) for everyone to use.<\/p>\n<p>This tool comes pre-loaded with over many ready-made charts to offset the missing ones in Google Sheets.<\/p>\n<p>Use ChartExpo to produce Segmented Bar Graphs that are incredibly <strong>easy to read and understand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Generating a Segmented Bar Graph should never be time-consuming. Use ChartExpo to overcome this. You&#8217;ll learn more about this cutting-edge tool in the next section.<\/p>\n<p>So, what is ChartExpo?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ChartExpo<\/a> comes as an\u00a0add-on for Google Sheets.<\/p>\n<p>Essentially, it turns your Google Sheets into a usable <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/data-visualization-tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">data visualization tool<\/a> capable of delivering hidden insights into your data, irrespective of the size or complexity.<\/p>\n<p>The premium Segmented Bar <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/chart-maker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Graph Maker<\/a> comes with a 7-day free trial period.<\/p>\n<p>The key benefit of ChartExpo is the fact that it produces charts that are <em>easy to read and interpret<\/em>. More so, it allows you to save charts in the world&#8217;s most recognized formats, namely PNG, SVG, PDF, and JPG.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/utmAction\/MTYrYmxvZytncytjZXhwbyswNjgr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4345\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-graph-generator-in-google-sheets-2-068.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"308\" height=\"143\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/utmAction\/MTYrYmxvZyt4bCtjZXhwbyswNjgr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4345\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-graph-generator-in-excel-2-068.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"308\" height=\"143\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<h3>Example<\/h3>\n<p>This section will use a Segmented Bar Graph (also known Stacked Bar Chart) to visualize the data below.<\/p>\n<table class=\"static\" style=\"border: 1px; font-size: 17px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\"><strong>Quarters<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"104\"><strong>Items<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"132\"><strong>Los Angeles<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"94\"><strong>Houston<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"95\"><strong>Chicago<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"161\"><strong>New York<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q1<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Notepad<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">571<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">535<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">93<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">308<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q1<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Pencil<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">83<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">701<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">744<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">518<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q1<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Whitener<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">756<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">569<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">385<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">227<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q2<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Notepad<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">640<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">279<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">497<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">628<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q2<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Pencil<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">700<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">525<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">131<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">137<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q2<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Whitener<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">497<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">728<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">151<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">768<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q3<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Notepad<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">441<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">707<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">405<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">707<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q3<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Pencil<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">686<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">551<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">428<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">512<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q3<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Whitener<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">561<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">404<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">146<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">612<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q4<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Notepad<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">366<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">739<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">432<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">571<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q4<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Pencil<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">84<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">86<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">151<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">98<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"104\">Q4<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">Whitener<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">95<\/td>\n<td width=\"94\">152<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\">117<\/td>\n<td width=\"161\">104<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>To Get Started with the Segmented Bar Chart, install the ChartExpo add-on for Google Sheets from <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/utmAction\/MTYrYmxvZytncytjZXhwbyswNjgr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\">this link<\/a> and then follow the simple and easy steps below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Click the <strong>Extensions <\/strong>button<strong>&gt;Charts, Graphs, &amp; Visualization by ChartExpo <\/strong>button<strong>&gt;Open<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/open-chartexpo-in-google-sheets.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4345 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/open-chartexpo-in-google-sheets.jpg\" alt=\"open chartexpo in google sheets\" width=\"650\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Click the <strong>Add New Chart <\/strong>button to access your fully stocked library of charts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/add-new-chart-in-google-sheets.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4345 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/add-new-chart-in-google-sheets.jpg\" alt=\"add new chart in google sheets\" width=\"650\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Once <strong>ChartExpo<\/strong> is loaded, you will see a list of charts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/list-of-charts-in-google-sheets.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4345 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/list-of-charts-in-google-sheets.jpg\" alt=\"list of charts in google sheets\" width=\"650\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Look for \u201c<strong>Stacked Bar Chart<\/strong>\u201d in the list of charts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/search-chart-in-google-sheets-068.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4345 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/search-chart-in-google-sheets-068.jpg\" alt=\"search segmented bar graph in google sheets \" width=\"650\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Select the sheet holding your data and select the <strong>Metrics <\/strong> Fill in the numerical numbers (in our scenario, we&#8217;ll fill in: <strong>New York, Chicago, Houston, <\/strong>and<strong> Los Angeles<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<li>Select the <strong>Dimensions <\/strong>button and fill in the dimensional data (in our example, we&#8217;ll <strong>quarters and items<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/create-chart-in-google-sheets-068.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4345 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/create-chart-in-google-sheets-068.jpg\" alt=\"create segmented bar graph in google sheets \" width=\"650\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Finish the simple process by clicking the <strong>Create Chart <\/strong>button.<\/li>\n<li>Check out the final chart below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-graph-in-google-sheets-068.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4345 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-graph-in-google-sheets-068.jpg\" alt=\"segmented bar graph in google sheets\" width=\"616\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<h4>Insights<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>The worst-performing location was Chicago.<\/li>\n<li>The worst-performing quarter of the financial year was Q4.<\/li>\n<li>Pencils had an abysmal performance in Q1 and Q4.<\/li>\n<li>New York performed well except for pencil in Q2.<\/li>\n<li>The notebook was among the best-performing products for the brand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"tb7\">Pros &amp; Cons of Segmented Bar Graphs<\/h2>\n<p>Segmented bar charts, also known as <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/stacked-bar-diagram\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">stacked bar graphs<\/a>, offer a visually compelling way to represent data. However, like any data visualization method, they come with their own set of pros and cons.<\/p>\n<h3>Pros of Segmented Bar Charts:<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Comparison of Parts to Whole:<\/strong> Segmented bar charts allow you to illustrate both the individual components and the total, making it easy to compare parts to the whole. This is particularly useful when dealing with data that can be segmented into different categories.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Visualizing Composition:<\/strong> These charts effectively show the composition of a whole in terms of its segments. For example, you can use them to represent the contribution of different product categories to total sales.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time-Series Comparison:<\/strong> When used over time, segmented bar charts help visualize how the composition of a category changes. For instance, you can track the market share of various products over multiple periods.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ease of Interpretation:<\/strong> Segmented bar charts are generally easy to understand, even for individuals who may not be familiar with complex data visualizations. The stacked nature of the bars simplifies the representation.<\/p>\n<h3>Cons of Segmented Bar Charts:<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Complexity Issues:<\/strong> As the number of segments increases, the chart can become complex and challenging to interpret. Too many segments may overwhelm the viewer, leading to confusion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Difficulty in Exact Value Reading:<\/strong> Determining the exact value of each segment can be challenging, especially in cases where the segments are relatively thin. This may impede precise data analysis.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Limited to Part-to-Whole Comparison:<\/strong> While effective for comparing parts to a whole, segmented bar charts may not be the best choice for other types of data comparisons or patterns.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Risk of Misinterpretation:<\/strong> Depending on the scale and design, there is a risk of misinterpretation. Viewers might perceive differences in segment lengths inaccurately, leading to incorrect conclusions.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tb8\">Segmented Bar Chart Best Practices<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid adding multiple subcategories because they can create clutter. More than five levels in stacking can confuse the audience.<\/li>\n<li>Start the baseline at 0. If the bars are truncated, the actual value is not properly reflected. If some of your data have negative values, plot them below or at the left of a highlighted zero baseline.<\/li>\n<li>The order of stacking in a Segmented Bar Graph should be organized in a way that there&#8217;s no implicit order in the second categorical variable (when they are not ordinal categorical variables) to facilitate data storytelling.<\/li>\n<li>Better comparisons are made within the subcategories indicated near the 0 baselines. As the stacking elevates, the differences or contributions between subcategories become a challenge to read.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Besides, you cannot compare corresponding segments rigorously because they depart from different baselines.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If one of the categorical variables is related to time (years, months, days, temporal ranges), set it as the main category and plot it on the horizontal axis.<\/li>\n<li>If your data has more than 3 subcategories, use stacked area charts or stacked densities charts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/utmAction\/MTYrYmxvZytncytjZXhwbyswNjgr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4345\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-graph-generator-in-google-sheets-3-068.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"308\" height=\"143\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/utmAction\/MTYrYmxvZyt4bCtjZXhwbyswNjgr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4345\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/segmented-bar-graph-generator-in-excel-3-068.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"308\" height=\"143\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"tb9\">FAQs: Segmented Bar Graph<\/h2>\n<h3>Does a Segmented Bar Graph work with categorical data?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, the Segmented Bar Graph (also known as Stacked Bar Chart) works well with categorical data types.<\/p>\n<p>Each bar in this chart is divided into several sub-bars stacked end-to-end. Use the graph if your goal is to display a part-to-whole relationship.<\/p>\n<h3>When should you use a Segmented Bar Graph?<\/h3>\n<p>You can use the Segmented Bar Graph to show the absolute value of each subcategory and their totals relative to the aggregate value of the category.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, the key goal of a Segmented Bar Graph is to show part-to-whole relationships in your data.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"wrapup\">Wrap Up<\/h4>\n<p>Analyzing part-to-whole relationships of key variables within your data is easier said than done. The situation is further made worse with the increase in the size of data.<\/p>\n<p>It would help if you had a chart that&#8217;s primarily designed to help show a comparison between categories within your data. Tables are not recommended, especially if the size of your data is enormous.<\/p>\n<p><em>In other words, you need a Segmented Bar Graph.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The visualization design can help you display how a larger category is divided into smaller sub-categories and their relationship to the aggregate value. Each bar in a Segmented Bar Graph represents the total value.<\/p>\n<p>Data visualization tools, such as Google Sheets, come with basic Segmented Bar Graphs. Essentially, you have to do a ton of customizations and editing, which takes significant amounts of time.<\/p>\n<p><em>So, what&#8217;s the solution?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>We recommend you install third-party apps, such as ChartExpo, into your Google Sheets to access <em>ready-made and visually appealing Segmented Bar Graphs<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>ChartExpo is a Google Sheets-based add-on that&#8217;s loaded with an <em>insightful and easy-to-interpret Stacked Bar Chart,<\/em> and many ready-made charts. You don&#8217;t need programming or coding skills to visualize your data using the tool in your Google Sheets.<\/p>\n<p>Sign up for a 7-day free trial today to access <em>easy-to-interpret, ready-made, and visually appealing<\/em> Segmented Bar Charts for your data story.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><p>Unlock power of data with our guide on creating a Segmented Bar Graph. Explore the types, pros, and cons, &#038; discover when to use this impactful visualization.<\/p>\n&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/segmented-bar-graph\"><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39664,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[739],"tags":[861],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\r\n<title>Segmented Bar Graph: Make Layered Data Understandable -<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/segmented-bar-graph\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Segmented Bar Graph: Make Layered Data Understandable -\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Unlock power of data with our guide on creating a Segmented Bar Graph. 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