Using Tableau, we were analyzing sales performance for our product in each region. I wanted to compare the sales of different product categories in each region.
To visualize this data, I created a stacked bar chart in Tableau that displays the total sales for each region, which are Central, East, South, and West, and stacks them by product category.
In this blog, I will explain what a stacked bar chart is in Tableau and how it can be used to visualize data and show comparisons between categories.
What is a Stacked Bar Chart in Tableau?
In Tableau, or any other data visualization tool, a Stacked bar chart is a type of bar chart that displays the data of different field values into different categories, with each category represented as a segment within the bar. In the stacked bar chart, we can also show sub-categories within a main category.
For example, when analyzing product sales for different regions, a stacked bar chart displays one bar for each region. Each bar is then divided into colored sections representing different product categories. This helps to compare both sales per region and the sales share of each product category within those regions.
In the examples below, I will explain how to create a stacked bar chart using the sample data of the superstore in Tableau. Then we also use Salesforce data to create a stacked bar chart in the second example.
Check out: Create Pie Chart in Tableau
Create a Stacked Bar Chart in Tableau
In this example, we will create a Tableau that displays statistics on product sales in different regions, categorized by product category.
For this, you can use the existing sample data of the superstore in Tableau Desktop.
- After selecting the data source, change the chart type to “Bar” in the “Marks” section.
Check out: Donut Chart in Tableau
- The first dimension we will include in the bar chart is the Region; for this, drag the Region to the Columns.
- To display the sales statistics in each region, add the Sales measure to the Rows. Now the bar charts will display the sales stats specific to each.
- To make this bar chart, a stacked bar chart, add the ‘Category‘ dimension from the products in the Color card.
Now the sales stats will be stacked with the product category and show sales for a specific product category in each region.
Check out: Stacked Bar Chart With Multiple Measures in Tableau
- To display the sales amount for each product category in a specific region, add the Sales measure to the Label card in the Marks section.
- At last, change the chart view from Standard to Entire View to adjust it to an appropriate proportion.
This way, we can create a Stacked bar chart in Tableau by following the above steps.
Check out: Waterfall Chart in Tableau
Tracking Monthly Support Cases by Priority Using Tableau Stacked Bar Chart
In this example, we will analyze the Case data, where we will track monthly support cases by Priority level using the stacked bar chart.
To do this, you need to connect the Salesforce data to Tableau Desktop. After setting up the connection, select the Case object and follow the steps below.
- Select a new worksheet and select the Marks type as Bar.
- Drag the created date to the columns. Here, we will analyze the monthly data, so we need to convert the year to a month format.
Right-click on the created date in the column shelf and choose the Month option.
- To count cases per month, drag the Case ID to the Rows shelf. To show the count, right-click on Case ID > Measure > Count.
- To stack the cases by priority, drag Priority to the Color on the Marks card. Now, each monthly bar will be stacked into parts for High, Medium, and Low priority cases.
- To display the case count in a bar chart, add the Case ID to the Labels card, and here also select the measure as count.
Check out: Divergent Stacked Bar Chart in Tableau
- Change the chart to an entire view, now we can see the count of cases in each month, stacked with priority values.
This way, we can utilize data from external sources, such as Salesforce, and create a stacked bar chart.
By following the above methods, you can easily create a stacked bar chart in Tableau. In the above examples, we have created stacked bar charts using internal datasets, such as the Superstore sample, or external sources, like Salesforce.
I am Bijay Kumar, the founder of SalesforceFAQs.com. Having over 10 years of experience working in salesforce technologies for clients across the world (Canada, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, etc.). I am a certified salesforce administrator and expert with experience in developing salesforce applications and projects. My goal is to make it easy for people to learn and use salesforce technologies by providing simple and easy-to-understand solutions. Check out the complete profile on About us.
