Stacked column charts vs. multi-series column charts

Learn when to use a stacked column chart vs. a multi-series column chart to visualize your data.

March 18, 2026

When to use a stacked column chart

A stacked column chart layers segments on top of each other within a single column, so each column shows both the total value and the breakdown of its parts. This is a good fit when the relationship between the parts and the total is important.

For example, if you're tracking tickets by type and want to see how each type contributes to the overall total, a stacked column chart shows both the combined total and each ticket type in a single view.

When to use a multi-series column chart

A multi-series column chart places columns side by side for each category, making it easier to compare the individual values across series at a glance. This works well when you care more about how individual values stack up against each other than how they contribute to a total.

For example, if you're comparing the number of support tickets handled by each team member per week, side-by-side columns make it straightforward to see exactly who handled the most.

Choosing between chart types

As a general rule: choose a stacked column chart when the total matters as much as the parts, and choose a multi-series column chart when comparing the individual values is more important.