Column Stack Chart
A column chart uses vertical bars to compare individual data points, effectively highlighting the highs and lows within a dataset.
A Column Chart is used to compare values of individual data points against one another using vertical bars. When configured as a Column Stack Chart, multiple categories can be layered within the same column to show contributions to a total, making it easier to identify highs, lows, and category breakdowns.
Best situations to use Column Stack Charts
To display datasets that include negative values.
To identify best vs. worst performers in a dataset.
To show contributions of categories to totals across a dimension (e.g., region, department, product line).
Examples
An organization compares employee performance scores.
Financial analysts compare profit and loss contributions by department.
Variations
Stacked Columns – Multiple categories are stacked in a single bar.
Side-by-Side Columns (Clustered) – Categories appear next to each other for comparison.
Colored Columns – Colors highlight key categories for quick insight.
Default Behavior
A Column chart plots a dimension on the X-axis and a measure on the Y-axis.
In stacked mode, additional dimensions are layered in each column.
Chart Properties
Access chart-specific properties by clicking the Chart Properties icon on the Design page.
General Settings
Style – Display mode for data:
Cluster
Stack
Stack Percentage
Stack Overlaid
Order – Data sequence options:
None
Ascending
Descending
Manual Sort (manually adjust dimensions with arrows).
Order By – Select a field (dimension/measure) to order data.
Limit – Restrict the number of data points displayed.
Exclude Global Filter – Exclude this View from global filters applied in the report.
Show Data Label – Display measure values on the chart.
Enable Base Zero – Ensure the value axis starts from zero.
Show Legend – Add a legend to the chart.
Legend Style – Fixed or Floating.
Legend Font Size – Adjust font size (Fixed only).
Legend Orientation – Vertical or Horizontal (Fixed only).
Legend Checkbox – Toggle series visibility via checkboxes.
Slider – Enable a slider for large datasets.
Fixed Slider Range – Lock the slider to a specified range.
View Filter
Filter – Apply conditions to filter the data (e.g.,
team = Sales).
Category Axis
Title – Add a descriptive title (e.g., Designation).
Axis Label – Enable/disable axis labels.
Label Angle – Set angle for labels (0°, 45°, 90°).
Primary Value Axis
Title – Add a label for the axis (e.g., Performance Score).
Axis Label – Show/hide labels.
Format Type – Format values as None, Auto, Percent, Thousand, Lacs, Crore, Million, Billion, Trillion, Quadrillion.
Currency Type – Choose None, Rupees, Euro, Pound, USD, Yen, Cent.
Precision – Set decimal precision (up to 5 places).
Secondary Value Axis
(Available when two measures are placed on the canvas.)
Enable – Check to add a secondary axis.
Title – Add a title for the axis.
Format Type – Same options as the Primary axis.
Currency Type – Same options as the Primary axis (not available if Format Type = Percentage).
Insights
Text – Add contextual text or commentary. Use
*asterisks*to highlight (e.g., 70%).Font Size – Adjust the size of the text.
Font Color – Set text color.
Text Align – Left, Right, Centre.
Position – Place text at the Bottom or Right of the chart.
Best Practices
Use Stacked style when showing part-to-whole relationships across categories.
Use Clustered style for direct comparisons between categories.
Use Limit to highlight top-N or bottom-N performers when datasets are large.
Apply consistent colors for recurring categories across charts to aid comprehension.
Add Insights to highlight KPIs for executives (e.g., Top Performer: Sales Team A).
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