Stacked Horizontal Bar Chart

Stacked horizontal bars show how different parts add up to a total. Each bar is divided into colored segments, so you can see both the overall total and what makes it up. This is great when you want to show composition – like how different revenue streams contribute to total income, or how market share is divided among competitors.

Stacked Horizontal Bar chart example
Example generated in PrettyChart

How to create a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart

  1. Create a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart by uploading CSV/Excel, pasting data, or sketching it with Draw Chart.
  2. Optional: upload a chart image and let PrettyChart extract the numbers (you can edit anything afterward).
  3. After upload, you can use AI recommendations to choose a chart type and a suggested visual style (optional).
  4. Select your Label column and select two or more Value columns (each becomes a series).
  5. Apply a template and theme, then tweak colors and effects to make the Stacked Horizontal Bar chart look exactly right.
  6. Export a high-quality PNG when you're happy with the result.

When to use

  • Showing parts of a whole across categories
  • Total comparison is as important as composition
  • Category names are long
  • Comparing how totals are built differently

When to avoid

  • Comparing individual segment sizes across bars (hard to align)
  • You have too many segments (5+)
  • Precise segment comparison is critical

Data requirements

1 Label column
2+ Value columns
1+ Data row

Data format: One label column + multiple value columns (each becomes a segment color)

Common use cases

Budget breakdown by category
Market share analysis
Time allocation
Component contributions

Stacked Horizontal Bar chart comparisons

Stacked Horizontal Bar Chart vs Grouped Horizontal Bar Chart

Choose a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart when it matches your data format (one label column + multiple value columns (each becomes a segment color)).

Grouped Horizontal Bar Chart →

Stacked Horizontal Bar Chart vs Stacked Vertical Bar Chart

Choose a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart when it matches your data format (one label column + multiple value columns (each becomes a segment color)).

Stacked Vertical Bar Chart →

Styling a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart

  • For a cleaner Stacked Horizontal Bar chart, keep labels short and avoid too many categories.
  • Choose a high-contrast theme if you plan to export for presentations or social media.
  • Add a subtle pattern or light effect if the chart needs more depth or separation.
  • If you need to compare many categories, consider a Horizontal Bar chart for better label space.

FAQ

What does a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart show?

Stacked Horizontal Bar charts visualize values using this data format: One label column + multiple value columns (each becomes a segment color). They're often used for budget breakdown by category.

What data works best for a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart?

A Stacked Horizontal Bar chart is a good choice when showing parts of a whole across categories and total comparison is as important as composition. If your dataset matches the requirements, it will look clean and readable.

Can I create a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart from CSV or Excel?

Upload your spreadsheet, select the right columns, and export a finished Stacked Horizontal Bar chart as PNG.

Does PrettyChart recommend a chart type and design automatically?

Yes. After you upload data, PrettyChart can recommend a chart type and suggest a visual style. You can accept the recommendation or customize everything manually.

Can I create a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart by drawing or from an existing chart image?

Yes. Sketch the chart with Draw Chart, or upload a screenshot to extract data — then polish the Stacked Horizontal Bar chart in the editor.

Do I need an account to export my Stacked Horizontal Bar chart?

Signup isn't required — you can generate and export a Stacked Horizontal Bar chart immediately.

Ready to Create Your Stacked Horizontal Bar Chart?

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