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Understanding the Shortcomings of Stacked Column Charts in Excel 2007:-


In a stacked column chart, Series 2 is plotted directly on top of Series 1. Series 3 is plotted on top of Series 2, and so on. The problem with this type of chart is that the reader can tell if the total is increasing or decreasing. The reader might also be able to tell if Series 1 is increasing or decreasing. Because all the other series have differing start periods, it is nearly impossible to tell whether sales in Series 2, 3, or 4 are increasing or decreasing. In the top chart in the Figure (given below), which regions are responsible for the increase from 2001 to 2006? It is nearly impossible to tell.

Stacked column charts are appropriate when the message of the chart is about the first series. Because the message here is about the sales of the new product line, you can plot this as the first series, and the reader of the chart will be able to see the impact from that series.



(In the top chart, no one will draw any conclusions about the West, Central, or South regions.)