Segmented Bar Chart: Examples, When to Use + Free Template

A segmented bar chart divides each bar into colored sections — one per category. It's the clearest way to compare part-to-whole composition across multiple groups at once.

Also called a stacked bar chart or 100% stacked bar chart. Use it when you need to show both totals and how each total breaks down — survey results by demographic, revenue by product line, budget by department.

Bottom line: if you have two or more groups and want to compare their composition, a segmented bar chart beats both pie charts and tables.

What is a segmented bar chart?

Each bar represents a category (a time period, a region, a group). The bar is divided into colored segments — each segment is one sub-category. Segment widths or heights are proportional to their value.

In a standard segmented bar chart, bar heights reflect actual totals. In a 100% stacked version, all bars are the same height and you're comparing proportions only — useful when the groups have different sizes and you want to focus on the mix, not the total.

You'll see it called: stacked bar chart, stacked column chart, 100% stacked bar chart, divided bar chart. Same thing.

When to use a segmented bar chart

Use it when:

Part-to-whole comparison across multiple groups
Survey responses broken down by demographic
Revenue split by product line or channel over time
Budget breakdown across departments
Any time you need to show totals and composition together

Don't use it when:

You need to compare individual segment values precisely — use a grouped bar chart
You only have one category to show — use a pie chart
You have more than 5–6 segments — colors become unreadable

Segmented bar chart examples

Survey results by age group

Each bar = one age group (18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45+). Segments = Agree / Neutral / Disagree. You see how each group leans and can compare sentiment across all groups at once.

[image: survey results segmented bar chart]

Revenue by product line, quarterly

Each bar = one quarter. Segments = Product A / B / C. Bar heights grow over time — you see total revenue increase and how the product mix shifts.

[image: revenue by product segmented bar chart]

Demographic breakdown by region (100% stacked)

Each bar = one region. All bars same height. Segments = demographic groups. Proportions are directly comparable even though regions have different population sizes.

[image: 100% stacked demographic bar chart]

Create a segmented bar chart

Paste your data, pick the stacked bar template, and export as MP4 or image. Free to start.

How to make a segmented bar chart

Format your data as a category column plus one column per segment — then paste into AECharts:

1

Prepare your data

Organize into a category column plus one column per segment. Each row = one bar. Paste directly from Excel or Google Sheets.

2

Choose stacked bar chart

Open AECharts, select the stacked bar chart type. Your columns automatically become segments.

3

Normalize to 100% if needed

If you're comparing proportions across groups of different sizes, switch to 100% stacked mode. Every bar fills the same height — only the mix differs.

4

Apply colors and export

Assign distinct colors to each segment. Add a legend. Export as MP4, GIF, or image.

QuarterDirectPaidOrganic
Q1 202438,00024,00014,000
Q2 202442,00029,00018,000
Q3 202447,00033,00021,000
Q4 202453,00038,00026,000

Paste this format directly from Excel or Google Sheets. AECharts maps each column to a segment automatically.

Common mistakes

Too many segments — more than 5 makes bars unreadable. Group smaller slices into 'Other'.
Mixing percentages and raw values — if your data is already %, use 100% stacked mode.
Similar colors on adjacent segments — pick high-contrast, distinct colors for each.

FAQ

Build your segmented bar chart

Paste your data, pick the stacked bar template, and export as MP4, GIF, or image. No design experience needed.

Related

Segmented bar chart makerGrouped bar chartAnimated bar chart makerTypes of bar charts