Chart in Excel: How can I make a cumulative bar chart?

Question

I have the following data in column A: January, January, February, March. I have data in column B: 100, 100, 400, 500. How can I have a chart that shows the three months and has 200 for January (100+100), 400 for February, and 500 for March?

Answer 1

It looks like you need to use/add a blank column.  If col C is blank you can put the following formula in C2:  =B1+B2

in C3 put: =B3

in C4 put = B4

Now you can graph C2,C3,C4

If your problem is more complicated you will have to add more detail.

Answer 2

Put each months data in a separate column like this

Jan  Feb  Mar

100  400  500

100

Select the nine cell rectangle that contains the four values,three labels, and two blank cells

Select Insert > Charts > Bar > 2D Bar > Stacked Bar > Finish

(selection shown is a cross between excel 2003 & 2007 but should be understandable in either)

That should give you the basic look you want.  From there right click at various points in the chart or select options in the toolbar(s) to dress it up to look just right.  Remember the changes that work so that you can start over if you get messed up too much.  

If you want series names like Gary & Fred, just add them in a column to the left like

____ Jan  Feb  Mar

Gary 100  400  500

Fred 100

and include them in the cells selected when you start.

You said bar charts but you also said tall.  In Excel, bars are long and columns are tall, so select 2D Stacked Column if you want tall charts.