How To Add Space Between Bar Graph Bars In Excel

Creating a bar graph in Excel is a fundamental skill for presenting data visually, but adjusting the space between bars can enhance readability and impact. This guide provides straightforward steps to customize spacing within bar graphs in Excel.

We will also discuss the advantages of using Sourcetable, a tool that simplifies graph customization, including spacing adjustments, compared to the traditional Excel approach.

Adjusting Bar Graph Spacing in Excel

Understanding Default Bar Spacing

Excel bar charts come with a default gap width of 150%, which can result in an appearance of excessive space between bars. This setting often leads to a less optimal visual presentation of data.

Customizing Gap Width

To increase the space between bars, you must adjust the gap width. Right-click on a bar and select 'Format Data Series'. Look for the 'Gap Width' option and increase it beyond the default setting.

Optimal Gap Width Settings

While the default gap width is set at 150%, optimal spacing can vary depending on the chart type. Regular bar charts typically benefit from a gap width of 30-50%, while histograms are better with a tighter gap width of 5-15%.

Enhancing Chart Clarity

Adjusting the space between bars can make your chart less cluttered and improve clarity, helping viewers better understand the relationship between data points.

Comparing Excel and Sourcetable

Excel vs. Sourcetable: Excel is a widely-used spreadsheet tool with robust features for data analysis and visualization. Sourcetable, on the other hand, specializes in aggregating data from multiple sources into a single, queryable interface. This distinction offers a streamlined approach for data consolidation in Sourcetable.

Data Integration: Sourcetable provides a seamless solution for combining various data streams into one place, a task that can be complex and time-consuming in Excel. Users looking to centralize their data without extensive setup will find Sourcetable advantageous.

AI Copilot Feature: Sourcetable's AI copilot sets it apart from Excel by offering an intuitive chat interface to assist users in creating formulas and templates. This can significantly lower the learning curve for new users and enhance productivity for experienced ones.

Spreadsheet Interface: Both platforms offer a familiar spreadsheet-like environment. However, Sourcetable's interface is specifically designed for querying and managing data from combined sources, which can be more efficient than Excel's generic spreadsheet layout for such tasks.

User Experience: For those requiring advanced assistance, Sourcetable's AI copilot provides a more supportive experience compared to Excel's traditional formula creation process. This feature can be a game-changer for users who need quick and interactive formula building.