Help with Stacked Column chart

Question

Help with Stacked Column chart

Hey,

So I'm sure there is a quick and easy fix for this, but here's my issue. I've got a chart with side by side columns (let's call them A and B) that I want to make a stacked column chart and have each column stack. A is always smaller than B, so I ideally want A displayed within B and the total on the Y axis to just be whatever B is. The problem is that instead of the stacks overlaying, they are added together, so the total on the Y axis is A+B instead of just the higher of the two. Is there anyway to change the settings so that the columns don't add together? I wish I could explain this better, but I'm sure someone out there knows what I'm talking about. I'd really appreciate some help. Thanks

MacBook Pro 17'', Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Jan 21, 2011 7:27 AM

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Answer 1

Badunit

Level 7

31,142 points

Jan 21, 2011 8:04 AM in response to nfbaqobvobqeflob

"Stacked column chart" means just that, the columns are stacked on top of each other. To do what you want, you will have to create another column in your table that is B-A. Plot column A and this new column as a stacked bar chart. The only drawback is that the "value labels" that can be displayed on the bars themselves, if you use them, will show the values of A and A-B whereas you would probably want it to show the values of A and B.

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Answer 2

Jan 21, 2011 8:18 AM in response to Badunit

Thanks, I did try this and it is a solution to the problem, but is there a way to still get the B data to display automatically without having to add a floating text box over each Column?

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Answer 3

Jan 21, 2011 9:08 AM in response to nfbaqobvobqeflob

I thought you were describing this:

User uploaded file

This is two Bar Charts with one overlaying the other. They are basically the same type of chart except that the top chart has a transparent background (set Fill to None) and more space between bars (Chart Tab, "Gap between Bars") and with duplicate lines and labels turned off.

Jerry

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Answer 4

Jan 21, 2011 10:16 AM in response to Jerrold Green1

Thanks that was exactly what I needed.

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Answer 5

Jan 21, 2011 10:51 AM in response to nfbaqobvobqeflob

Great, hope it solves your problem.

Jerry

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