How to Create a Bar Chart With Multiple Series in Excel (2024)

In this article, we will explore how to make a bar chart with multiple series in Excel. Simply follow the steps below.

Bar Chart With Multiple Series in Excel

To create a bar chart with multiple series in Excel, we will work with a dataset that compares average daily temperatures in three cities (New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago) from Monday to Sunday in the second week of July 2023.

1. Select the Entire Dataset

To select your data, click on the top-left cell of your dataset and drag the mouse to the bottom-right cell. Make sure to include the headers for both the days and cities.

2. Insert a Clustered Bar Chart from the ‘Insert’ Menu

Go to the “Insert” tab located on the Excel ribbon at the top of your screen. Click on the “Bar Chart” icon, which will open a dropdown menu. From here, select “Clustered Bar” to visually compare the daily temperatures across New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in a side-by-side format.

excel create bar chart with multiple series

3. Customize the Chart’s Design for Better Visualization

Once the chart appears in your worksheet, click on it to activate the “Chart Design” tab. Here, you can choose from different styles and colors to improve the visual impact of your chart.

Experiment with different chart styles and colors to find the best visual representation for comparing the temperatures, making it easier to spot trends and differences. In our case, we will choose the ‘Style 6.’

4. Add Titles to the Chart and Axes for Clear Identification

With the chart selected, click on the “Chart Elements” button (plus icon next to the chart). Add a “Chart Title” and “Axis Titles.” Click on each title to edit it. Type in descriptive titles like “Average Daily Temperatures” for the chart and “Days of the Week” and “Temperature (°C)” for the axes.

5. Review the Chart and Make Necessary Adjustments for Accuracy

Ensure all information is correct and clearly presented. Make adjustments to scale, layout, or data order as needed.

We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to create a bar chart with multiple series in Excel. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on how to make a stacked bar chart in Excel with multiple series or our article on how to change bar width in Excel.