A clustered column simplifies the interpretation of data, aids in identifying trends, and supports decision-making processes. However, users may come across some problems when trying to create a clustered column chart in Excel. It can be tricky to excel in this skill.
You may want to learn how to create a clustered column chart in Excel quickly and properly. This article is your perfect guide to excel in this important skill.
Introduction to Clustered Column Charts
Excel gives its readers a lot of options for better analysis and presentation. Many users want to learn how to create a clustered column chart in Excel. Also known as grouped column charts, people frequently use them to compare and display data.
For example, you have sales data for different products in several months. It can be very confusing to access data on its own. You may feel more comfortable seeing it as a chart. In such times, knowing how to create a clustered column chart can be very helpful.
Benefits of using Clustered Column Charts
Here are some of the most important benefits of learning how to create a clustered column chart in Excel.
Effective Organization
You can organize your data easily with the help of clustered charts. They can create and help you present your data without overwhelming the audience
Visual Comparison
It becomes easy for people to understand the boring numbers when they are presented in charts rather than in a cluttered form.
Highlighted Differences
You can easily differentiate between two or more categories and show it to people. They can also understand the significance of these charts easily.
Better Presentation
Presentable things look easy to comprehend and may keep more people in the audience engaged.
Disadvantages of using Clustered Column Charts
Here are some of the notable disadvantages of clustered column charts you must consider before use.
Limited Data Access
You may not be able to present a lot of data effectively while using clustered column charts.
Visual Complexity
It can get complex for Excel to present huge data effectively. It may become very complex visually.
Restricted Flexibility
Once a column chart has been made, you may not be able to take complete control over its changes. It can be frustrating to deal with.
Misleading Representation
Your data may not always show what you intend to emphasize. This way, things can get a bit complex to handle.
How to Create a Clustered Column Chart in Excel
If you are confused about how to create a Clustered Column Chart in Excel, you are not alone. There are several people who want to make data more visual with the right steps. Learning how to create a clustered column chart in Excel can be one of the most effective ways.
Here is your step-by-step guide to learn how to create a clustered column chart in Excel.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Excel application on your device and create a worksheet. You can enter your data, but make sure it is not cluttered. Enter the needed information in the right category.
Step 2: Select the data that you want to turn into a clustered column chart. Make sure that you include labels and values. You can use the Ctrl or cmd button to drag for longer entries.
Step 3: Go to the Insert option. You can find the option on the top ribbon in the Excel platform.
Step 4: Go to the Charts group and click on the Column button. Here, you will see a drop-down menu that has a lot of options. You can click on the Clustered Column in the chart type option.
Step 5: This step will insert a column chart into your Excel file. You can customize this chart according to your needs. You can add important information such as the chart title. You can click on the Chart Title and type in the suited title.
Step 6: You can also add axis labels by clicking on the Axis Titles. You can add the horizontal and vertical axes and decide your desired labels.
Step 7: You can also format individual columns by clicking them. You can change the settings, such as colors, borders, and font in your columns.
Step 8: If you need to add more data, you can edit the source data by right clicking on the chart and selecting Edit Data or by selecting the chart. You can further go to the Design tab and click on the Select Data button.
Step 9: Once you customize the chart to your liking, you can further enhance it by adding data labels, axis scales, or applying any other formatting options available in Excel.
Best Free Alternative to Microsoft Office - WPS Office
While Microsoft Excel continues to improve, many users also find it very difficult to learn how to create a clustered column chart in Excel. In such times, you may want to look for the best alternatives, such as WPS Office.
WPS Office is among the best and most free alternatives for Microsoft Excel. The best part is that it is free of cost and very friendly for beginners. You can head to wps.com and download the desktop version for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, and so on.
If you are still not convinced about the effectiveness of WPS Office, here are some benefits of using WPS that you may want to consider.
Unmatched Compatibility
WPS Office supports many common and rare formats, such as DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, and PPTX, to ensure seamless compatibility for all your files.
Free to Download:
WPS Office provides a free version that offers users a lot of tools and services for creating, editing, and viewing documents without any cost. You can switch to the premium version to access the added features.
User-Friendly Interface
WPS Office is best known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and excel in no time.
Variety of Features
WPS Office offers many features, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF editing, cloud storage integration, collaboration tools, templates, and a lot more.
Unlimited Support
WPS Office is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It allows users to access and work on their documents across different devices.
File Size
WPS Office does not take up a lot of space on your devices. It has a relatively small installation size compared to other office suites. Hence, you can save up on-device storage space.
Language Support
WPS Office supports multiple languages, catering to users from diverse regions. Currently, WPS Office is entertaining its users in more than 41 languages.
Better Security
WPS Office provides password protection options, allowing users to secure their documents with encryption. You can trust this platform with your confidential data and files.
FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about How to create a clustered column chart in Excel.
Q. How do I update data in an existing clustered column chart?
The best way to update your data in a clustered chart is to make changes to the source. It is an easy method that can benefit you effectively. This way, you will not need to restart the process of creating a clustered column chart in Excel.
The changes you make to that you make to your data show up in the clustered column chart in real time.
Step 1: Click the right key on the data that you want to change. You can add, delete, or modify your data any way you want. Once you have made the needed changes, you can click on enter.
Step 2: Select the chart and go to the Design option in the ribbon above. Here, you will find the Refresh Data option. You can press it to see your changes.
Can I create a 3D clustered column chart in Excel?
Yes, you can learn how to create a clustered column chart in Excel. It is an easy way to present your data. This facility is being used by millions of individuals and businesses. You can also use it in the 3D model.
Here are the steps you can follow to form a clustered columns chart in Excel.
Step 1: Select the data in your chart and press Insert. Make sure that you also include the labels of the data you need to create a clustered chart.
Step 2: Go to the Charts and click on Column. You will see a drop-down menu in which you must select on clustered column chart. This will insert a basic column to your sheet.
Step 3: Select the chart and go to the Chart Tools. You can look for a Chart Design tab. Here, you can see a 3D option. Hover over it to see more options and select the 3D model you want to insert.
The Best Alternative for Clustered Column Charts – WPS Office
This article discusses how to create a clustered column chart in Excel. Many people can find it difficult to use Excel and access all its features. Hence, it is always recommended to look for better alternatives such as WPS Office in your mind.
WPS Office is one of the most useful and user-friendly tools to use. The best part about using WPS Office is that it is free of cost and provides users with a lot of features. It is compatible with many operating systems, including Windows, iOS, Mac, Linux, Android, and much more.
You can head to wps.com today to download a desktop version and enjoy several features for free.
