In data visualization, it is very important to present data in a way that is easy to understand and compare.
One of the most powerful ways to show both positive and negative values together is by using a divergent stacked bar chart in Tableau.
This type of chart helps users quickly understand differences, trends, and performance across categories without confusion.
Using Tableau, we analyzed the profit-and-loss performance of our product across different regions. To achieve this, we had to visualize the data to highlight which product subcategories were generating profits and which were in losses, for each region.
To visualize this data, we created a diverging stacked bar chart in Tableau. In this stacked bar, we used the region as a dimension.
To show divergence in the chart, we will display positive (profit) bars on the right and negative (Loss) bars on the left, both stacked by product subcategory.
In this article, we will learn what a divergent stacked bar chart is, when to use it, and how to create it step by step in Tableau.
We will also explore real-time business use cases, examples, common mistakes, and best practices.
By the end of this guide, you will be able to create professional-level charts that improve your data analysis skills.