Stacked Horizontal Bar Chart
Stacked horizontal bars show how different parts add up to a total. Each bar is divided into colored segments, so you can see both the overall total and what makes it up. This is great when you want to show composition – like how different revenue streams contribute to total income, or how market share is divided among competitors.
How to create a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart
- Create a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart by uploading CSV/Excel, pasting data, or sketching it with Draw Chart.
- Optional: upload a chart image and let PrettyChart extract the numbers (you can edit anything afterward).
- After upload, you can use AI recommendations to choose a chart type and a suggested visual style (optional).
- Select your Label column and select two or more Value columns (each becomes a series).
- Apply a template and theme, then tweak colors and effects to make the Stacked Horizontal Bar chart look exactly right.
- Export a high-quality PNG when you're happy with the result.
When to use
- Showing parts of a whole across categories
- Total comparison is as important as composition
- Category names are long
- Comparing how totals are built differently
When to avoid
- Comparing individual segment sizes across bars (hard to align)
- You have too many segments (5+)
- Precise segment comparison is critical
Data requirements
Data format: One label column + multiple value columns (each becomes a segment color)
Common use cases
Stacked Horizontal Bar chart comparisons
Stacked Horizontal Bar Chart vs Grouped Horizontal Bar Chart
Choose a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart when it matches your data format (one label column + multiple value columns (each becomes a segment color)).
Grouped Horizontal Bar Chart →Stacked Horizontal Bar Chart vs Stacked Vertical Bar Chart
Choose a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart when it matches your data format (one label column + multiple value columns (each becomes a segment color)).
Stacked Vertical Bar Chart →Styling a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart
- For a cleaner Stacked Horizontal Bar chart, keep labels short and avoid too many categories.
- Choose a high-contrast theme if you plan to export for presentations or social media.
- Add a subtle pattern or light effect if the chart needs more depth or separation.
- If you need to compare many categories, consider a Horizontal Bar chart for better label space.
FAQ
What does a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart show?
Stacked Horizontal Bar charts visualize values using this data format: One label column + multiple value columns (each becomes a segment color). They're often used for budget breakdown by category.
What data works best for a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart?
A Stacked Horizontal Bar chart is a good choice when showing parts of a whole across categories and total comparison is as important as composition. If your dataset matches the requirements, it will look clean and readable.
Can I create a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart from CSV or Excel?
Upload your spreadsheet, select the right columns, and export a finished Stacked Horizontal Bar chart as PNG.
Does PrettyChart recommend a chart type and design automatically?
Yes. After you upload data, PrettyChart can recommend a chart type and suggest a visual style. You can accept the recommendation or customize everything manually.
Can I create a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart by drawing or from an existing chart image?
Yes. Sketch the chart with Draw Chart, or upload a screenshot to extract data — then polish the Stacked Horizontal Bar chart in the editor.
Do I need an account to export my Stacked Horizontal Bar chart?
Signup isn't required — you can generate and export a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart immediately.
Ready to Create Your Stacked Horizontal Bar Chart?
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