3-D Column Chart

[Laura]

I have created a 3-D Column Chart in an Excel file and I'm wondering if it is
possible to make the bars stacked.

 

[Laura]

To be more specific, I have a 3-D column graph with 16 columns (4 columns X 4
columns). Is it possible to now divide each column into 4 parts?

 

[Jon Peltier]

Even if you could make a 3D stacked column chart, it would be nearly
impossible to interpret. Actually you can fake it, but in the interests of
good data presentation practice I no longer share the technique. Just
because you can do something does not mean you should.

An alternative for a 3D unstacked column chart is a simple 2D clustered
column chart. You don't get that fake impression of depth that marketeers
like so much, but you also don't get the distortion that false perspective
imposes on a display. It is much easier to compare values on a 2D chart, and
you can make the chart two ways, clustering by worksheet rows or by columns,
depending on how you want to show the information.

You can also fake Excel into making a stacked plus clustered column chart. I
link to a few examples on this page:

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/ChartsHowTo/ClusterStack.html

- Jon

 

[Laura]

Thank you for the suggestions, but they don't exactly allow me to do what I
need to.
I have a freezer shelf that I am trying to map out with excel. The shelf
has boxes stacked in fours in four columns and four rows. With the 3-D chart
I was trying to divide each column in four so that i could label the stacks
of boxes. I have just decided to copy the chart to Paint and have drawn in
lines myself and added labels. I was just wondering if there was a better
alternative that i could use in excel so that i wouldnt have to do this.