Generate Multi-Series Bar Chart Legend using 3 Column Data in Excel

Generate Multi-Series Bar Chart Legend using 3 Column Data in Excel

In this article, we will focus on how to create a multi-series bar chart in Excel using 3 column data. This type of chart is useful when comparing multiple sets of data across different categories. By following the steps outlined below, you can create professional-looking charts that help to communicate your data more effectively.

Preparing the Data for the Chart

Before we start creating the chart, we need to ensure that our data is in the correct format. To create a multi-series bar chart, we need to have three columns of data: one column for the category or group, and two (or more) columns for the series data. In this example, we will be comparing the environment values of ProdServer1, ProdServer2, UATServer3, and UATServer4. Here's what the data might look like:

To prepare the data for the chart, follow these steps:

1. Enter the data into an Excel worksheet.
2. Highlight the data set.
3. Go to the Insert tab and click on Column in the Charts group.
4. Select the 2-D Column button and then choose the first option, which is a Clustered Column Chart.

Formatting the Chart

Now that we have created the chart, we need to format it to show the different servers and environments as separate series. Follow these steps:

1. Click on any of the columns in the chart to select the entire set.
2. Right-click on the columns and select Format Data Series.
3. In the Series Options section, uncheck the box for Plot Series on Secondary Axis.
4. Click on the first set of columns (the Prod environment) to select just that set. Right-click and select Format Data Series.
5. In the Series Options section, check the box for Plot Series on Secondary Axis.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the UAT environment.

Now that we have separated the series, we need to add the legend. To do this, right-click on the chart and select Add Chart Element. From the menu, select the Legend option, which will add a legend to the chart.

To format the legend, follow these steps:

1. Click on the legend to select it.
2. Right-click on the legend and select Format Legend.
3. In the Format Legend pane, select the Fill tab to change the fill color of the legend.
4. Select the Border tab to change the border color and style of the legend.

Expected Output

The expected output of this process is a bar chart with different colored series for the Prod servers and UAT servers. The chart will have a legend that identifies the servers and environments. Here's what the final chart might look like:

In summary, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a professional-looking multi-series bar chart in Excel that shows different servers and environments as separate series. The chart will be easy to read and will help your audience understand the data more effectively. Happy charting!

References

• Type: Online Resource
  Title: "How to Create a Multi-Series Bar Chart in Excel"
  Author/Publisher: Chandoo.org
  URL: https://chandoo.org/wp/2013/07/23/how-to-create-a-multi-series-bar-chart-in-excel/
  
• Type: Book
  Title: "Excel 2019 Bible"
  Author: John Walkenbach
  Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  ISBN: 978-1-119-57608-4
  
• Type: Online Resource
  Title: "How to Create a Bar Chart in Excel"
  Author/Publisher: Microsoft Support
  URL: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-bar-chart-in-excel-2a510031-2f2f-470e-9da1-56dd71548f84