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How to create a floating column chart in Excel?

Author Sun Last modified

A floating column chart is typically used to display the minimum and maximum values of data. In this chart, the series appears above the axis, creating a floating effect. In this article, I introduce how to create a general floating column chart.
A sample floating column chart in Excel showing data above the axis

Create a floating column chart

Create a floating column chart

Given the data shown in the screenshot below, let’s go through the steps to create a floating column chart.
A screenshot of sample data with high and low values used to create a floating column chart in Excel

1. In the next column of the data, column D, we need to calculate the difference between the highest and lowest values in each row. Type this formula =B2-C2 to the Cell D2, and drag the fill handle down to the cells needed this formula.
A screenshot of the Excel formula calculating the difference between high and low values

2. Hold Ctrl key to select the data column, the lowest value column, and the difference value column, and then click Insert > Insert Column or Bar Chart > Stacked Column. See screenshot:
A screenshot showing data selected for creating a stacked column chart in Excel

3. Click at the lowest series in the chart to display the Format tab. See screenshot:
A screenshot showing the Format tab in Excel when clicking at the lowest series

4. Under Format tab, click No Fill in Shape Fill list, and No Outlines in Shape Outline list. See screenshot:

A screenshot of No Fill option in Shape Fill to hide series in Excel A screenshot of No Outline option in Shape Outline to hide series outline in Excel

Then the floating column chart has been created successfully.
The final floating column chart in Excel displaying data above the axis

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