Introduction

Data is central to decision-making, and clear visualization is key to unlocking data value. Among the most common and intuitive data visualization tools for this purpose are Clustered Column Charts, which are useful for comparing multiple data sets, revealing category differences, and showing trends.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of clustered column charts, covering core concepts and applicable scenarios. Specifically, it helps walk you through creating clustered column charts in Microsoft Excel. Menu operations and efficient keyboard shortcuts will be provided for reference, along with clear, step-by-step instructions and example screenshots.

It is acknowledged that the traditional charting process can be time-consuming. The guide is suitable for both beginners in data analysis and experienced users seeking efficiency and multi-color exemplification of data. Let’s get started!

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What is a Clustered Column Chart?

A Clustered Column Chart is a common vertical column chart used to compare values of multiple data groups across different categories.

Clustered Column Charts are categorized into between-group column charts and within-group column charts. The between-group clustered chart, also known as a two-dimensional column chart, is suitable for analyzing data with hierarchical relationships. On a single axis, it displays multiple data series grouped side-by-side for each category, with distinct colors differentiating each series.

• Core Purpose: Primarily used for comparison and visualization of differences or spotting trends, enabling you to instantly identify variations or changes between categories.
• Applicable Scenarios: Commonly applied in sales comparisons, annual project progress tracking, departmental performance evaluation, market share analysis, and other multidimensional statistical requirements. It is particularly suitable for analyzing data with hierarchical relations or multi-variable comparisons.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Chart in Excel

This section will introduce how to create your own clustered column chart in Excel. Here are two practical methods for different user habits.

Method 1: Access from the Ribbon

Overview： Prepare your data ➡ Select data range ➡ Navigate the “Insert” tab ➡ Choose “Clustered Column” in the“Charts” group ➡ Get your chart and edit

Step1 Prepare Your Data

To avoid any potential mistakes in the final chart, preparing proper data organization is crucial. Here are some guidelines for you to check before chart visualization.

1. Organize your data in a table format.

2. Place clear and short headers for each column;

3. Use consistent columns for each data series;

4. Don’t forget to label every category in the first column.

Example data table:

Common pitfalls when creating clustered column charts in Excel:

1. Category labels and data series reversed on axes;

2. Missing headers or including totals or blank rows;

3. Overcrowded categories;

4. Long text overlapping without formatting.

Step 2 Select Data Range

Drag the mouse to select the data area that contains categories and series. Mind that headers should also be selected.

For non-adjacent data ranges, hold the Ctrl key while selecting the data ranges you want.

Step 3 Insert the Chart

Navigate to the “Insert” tab on the Excel ribbon. Click the “Recommended Charts”button in the “Charts” group.

Choose the “Clustered Column” from the sub-menu. Or find the “Clustered Column” button in the “Charts” group, and click to create a basic chart. It depends on different Excel versions.

Step 4 Get Your Chart and Edit

Excel will automatically insert the clustered column chart, which can be modified and adjusted as you want. Also, it can be dragged to wherever you would like.

Tips:

• For color, right-click and choose “Format Data Series”. As the picture below shows, you can adjust the filling color, border color and other schemes given.
• For labels, right-click on a label and choose “Format Data Labels” to customize your chart. For chart titles, fonts, sizes or styles, steps are the same.
• Additionally, if there are any labels missing from the chart, you can manually add them by clicking the “Chart Design” on the ribbon, and then choosing “Add Chart Element”.

Method 2: The Quick Key Combo (Alt Shortcut)

Select the data range as same as Method 1, then use quick keyboard shortcuts:

Press “Alt + N” to open the “Insert”. Then press “C” and “L”.

The “Insert Chart” window will automatically pop up and directly locate the bar chart option.

Select “Clustered Column”. If it is not selected, you can manually click“Clustered Column” type and then click “Enter”. No need to click the menu many times, greatly improving efficiency.

Note:

For those who need to process data and make graphs frequently, using shortcuts can save a lot of time and eliminate the cumbersome steps of mouse movement and multiple clicks.

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Picdoc is a cutting-edge AI-powered tool that turns text into visual content. It automatically transforms text into charts, flowcharts, infographics and other visual elements. Picdoc is designed to visually convey knowledge, ideas and business stories for professionals, educators, students and content creators. With the help of the AI tool, you can quickly access complete design knowledge and professional diagrams even if you are zero-foundation-equipped.

How PicDoc Works: Text-to-Chart Magic

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Here are the steps to create a clustered column chart with PicDoc:

1. Visit the PicDoc website: https://www.picdoc.ai

The entire generating process can be carried out online and without any download for FREE.

2. Describe your chart needs in natural language in the input box, for example:

“Show monthly sales of Product A, B, C, D for 2025 as a clustered column chart.”

Product A (Jan: 526, Feb: 600, Mar: 750)

Product B (Jan: 1200, Feb: 1300, Mar: 1650)

Product C (Jan: 650, Feb: 930, Mar: 1000)

Product D (Jan: 1000, Feb: 985, Mar: 789)

Or more specifically:

“Show monthly sales of Product A, B, C, D for 2025 as a clustered column chart. It is the monthly sales figures for the first quarter of 2025. Product A showed steady growth (526 in Jan, 600 in Feb, 750 in Mar), while Product B consistently achieved the highest sales each month (1200 in Jan, 1300 in Feb, 1650 in Mar). Product C demonstrated significant February growth before reaching 1,000 units in March (650 in Jan, 930 in Feb, 1000 in Mar); Product D showed a notable decline from 1,000 to 789 units (1000 in Jan, 985 in Feb, 789 in Mar).”

Then click the blue button on the left and wait for a few seconds.

Just as the picture shows, PicDoc instantly interprets your request and generates a professional, polished clustered column chart, and you can download, insert, or further customize the chart with one click.

Why Choose PicDoc?

PicDoc stands out with these predominant features:

Lightning-fast chart generation: Automates the whole process from text to polished visuals in seconds smartly.

Smart styling: Applies pro-level colors and layouts instantly—no manual re-processing needed.

Zero-fuss workflow: Skip data wrangling and menu hunting; one sentence gets it done. No formulas or design skills are required—just type what you want.

Flexible export options: Grab images, data files, or embed charts directly into PPT or reports.

Final Words

Clustered column charts are indispensable tools for transforming raw data into clear, comparative insights. Whether you’re tracking sales, evaluating performance, or analyzing trends, mastering their creation in Excel, through either the ribbon menus or efficient keyboard shortcuts, empowers you to visualize differences and spot patterns instantly.

But remember: While Excel provides robust charting capabilities, the process can still involve multiple steps and manual adjustments. For those seeking ultimate speed and professional polish, embrace the future of data visualization with PicDoc. True coolness lies in making every ordinary person’s thoughts gracefully appreciated by the world. PicDoc brings your ideas to life on paper—your brilliance deserves to be seen, and no design skills are required.

Why settle for a manual when you can have it instantly? PicDoc can save you lots of effort!

With PicDoc’s AI-powered “text-to-chart” magic, you skip the data wrangling and design tweaks. Simply describe your need in plain language, and get a publication-ready clustered column chart in seconds, complete with intelligent styling.

Choose the right tool for your task. For detailed control: Use Excel’s built-in features.

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