Stacking Categories of Numeric Data

You can stack numeric categories of data on top of each other to illustrate their relative size. For example, a stack can illustrate the relative size of retail prices with respect to wholesale prices. By stacking these figures on top of each other, you can analyze their respective size.

Note:

Data values stacked differently than data labels because sub-divisions in labels can be meaningfully represented while values cannot. For example, you can the product year by 2001 and 2002 and represent each year as a stack. However, data values (such as Amount of sales) cannot be meaningfully subdivided in the same way. With data values, it is more meaningful to compare one value item (such as amount of sales) with another value item (such as units sold).

  To stack label categories in a bar chart:

  1. Select Vertical Stacked bar or Horizontal Stack bar from the Chart Type pull-down list.

  2. Drag two value items from the Contents pane to the z pane (which is the default value pane) in the data layout.

    Note:

    To change the colors of each stack item, change the Legend to the z axis. This feature enables you to stack item and select a particular color from the Properties dialog box.