A Column chart shows comparisons among discrete categories. One axis of the chart shows the specific categories being compared, and the other axis represents a measured value. The bars can be plotted vertically or horizontally.

1. Column Chart: Single Axis

• In this chart, we display users by weekday, with data aggregated by weekday for the selected time period.

• Adding an average reference will provide additional information about what to look for analysis. For example, in the above chart, we can analyze "Why are Thursday's average users 35% higher than the rest of the weekday?"

Recommended: Yes

• Yes, it is one of the most widely used charts across the industry.

2. Column Chart with Multiple Metrics: Single Axis

• In this chart, we display users by weekday, with data aggregated by weekday for the selected time period.

• Adding an average reference will provide additional information about what to look for analysis. For example, in the above chart, we can analyze "Why are Thursday's average users 35% higher than the rest of the weekday?"

Recommended: Yes

• Yes, it is one of the most widely used charts across the industry.

• Keep the single-axis configuration in order to show a proper comparison between the data set.

3. Column Chart: Dual Axis (1/2)

• In this chart, we display Users and Page Views by weekday. Data is aggregated by weekday for the selected time period.

• In this example, even where data has 3x-5x differences, they appear to have a difference of 10-15%. In the next example, we will change the "Absolute Value" to "% of Total."

Recommended: No

• For most audiences, it's hard to make intuitively correct statements about two data series which have a significant difference.

• In this example, even where data has 3x-5x differences, they appear to have a difference of 10-15%. In the following example, we will change the "Absolute Value" to "% of Total."

4. Column Charts: Dual Axis (2/2)

• In this chart, we display Users and Page Views by weekday. Data is aggregated by weekday for the selected time period.

• In this example, we have changed "Absolute Value" to "% of Total." Thus, both Users and Page Views become visually comparable.

Recommended: Yes

• Suitable if both Axis data set don't have a significant difference or display the "% of the total" in a dual Axis column chart.

5. Stacked Column: Single Axis

• In this chart, we display Users and Unique Purchases by weekday. Data is aggregated by weekday for the selected time period. For example, in this chart, "What are the weekday Unique Purchases against Total Users?"

Recommended: Yes

• Stacked Column Charts are a great choice if you need to observe how each of the individual variables and their sums change.

• Double axis configurations are not recommended for Stacked Column Charts, as a visual comparison between the data sets will be tough to comprehend for most users. In the following chart, we will display the same chart with a Double Axis configuration.

6. Stacked Column: Dual Axis

• In this chart, we display Users and Unique Purchases by weekday, and data is aggregated by weekday for the selected time period.

• When we changed to Double Axis configuration, the Stacked bar distribution doesn't make sense. It's best to avoid a double axis for a Stacked Column Chart.

Recommended: No

• Double axis configurations are not recommended for Stacked Column Charts, as a visual comparison between the data sets will be tough to comprehend for most users.

7. 100% Stacked Column (1/2)

• In this chart, we display Users by Age Group, and data is aggregated by weekday for the selected time period.

• Even though 100% stacked columns always equal 100%, it's best to have % data within the chart, so your audience can see the actual % by showing the data label. Otherwise, it can be difficult to compare the relative size of each component visually. In the following chart, we will display the same data as "% of Total."

Recommended: Yes

• 100% Stacked Column Charts are a great choice if you need to observe how each of the individual shares changes over time.

8. 100% Stacked Column (2/2)