How to split a stacked bar chart in Excel?

It is not currently possible to split a single stacked bar directly into separate groups using a built-in feature in Excel. However, you can achieve this effect by restructuring your dataset, which allows for clearer comparison between different groups within your chart. This approach is especially useful when you want to visually separate performance data, highlight trends in different categories, or make presentations more engaging for your audience. Here are detailed steps for splitting a stacked bar chart in Excel.

1. First, adjust your source data so it represents the intended split groups.

For example, your data lists sales amounts for four regions in columns, and you want to split those regions into two groups (such as Group1: Region North & South, Group2: Region West & East), move the corresponding data into separate columns to visually clarify the groups. Your revised data setup should have a gap or distinct grouping so that Excel interprets two separate data series. The screenshot below shows such a modification:

2. Once your source data is organized, select the entire range you wish to plot—including headers.

Then, go to the Excel ribbon and click Insert > Insert Column or Bar Chart (or Insert Bar Chart depending on your Excel version), and select Clustered Bar. See screenshot:

3. With the clustered bar chart now created, right-click any chart bar and choose Change Series Chart Type from the context menu.

4. In the Change Chart Type dialog box, find and click Bar on the left panel. Then, choose the Stacked Bar chart type for each data series you want to combine in the stacks. Ensure both grouped series are set to Stacked Bar. Click OK to apply changes. 

At this point, your chart should now show two distinct stacked bars, each representing a group of the original data—just as intended. The final effect is shown here:

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