Category comparisons
Compare product sales or the number of people in each group on a common scale.
COMPARE YOUR CATEGORIES
Create a bar chart
that makes comparisons clear.
Create a bar chart for sales, survey results or team performance. Start with an editable example or bring your own spreadsheet.
.xlsx, .xls or .csv · Up to 20 MiB per import
Files are parsed in your browserTry image exports without an account
Try this sample dataset
Fictional product sales, shown as separate bars. The example, CSV and editor use exactly the same data.
SAMPLE DATA
| Category | Units sold |
|---|---|
| Books | 120 |
| Bags | 85 |
| Mugs | 160 |
| Prints | 65 |
| Cards | 100 |
CHART PREVIEWIllustrative data
Sales by product
How to make a bar chart
- 01
Add categories and values
Open the example to enter data directly, or import Excel/CSV and confirm the data orientation.
- 02
Choose your layout
Compare categories with vertical bars. In the chart picker, choose horizontal bars when category names are long.
- 03
Make labels readable
Set a useful title, use consistent colors, and keep the value axis starting at zero for a fair length comparison.
- 04
Export your chart
Export PNG or JPEG for slides, or SVG for a scalable graphic. Free image exports are subject to the daily allowance.
When a bar chart helps
Survey responses
Show counts for each response option. Explain whether people could select more than one answer.
Multiple series
Compare related metrics across categories. Use grouped bars for direct comparison or stacked bars for composition.
Bar chart maker
Keep the comparison honest and readable
- Start the value axis at zero so bar lengths reflect the values.
- Use a clear category order: rank values or keep an order your readers recognize.
- Avoid too many colors. Use one accent to highlight a meaningful category.
- Use horizontal bars for long names; use a line chart when the main question is a trend over time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a horizontal bar chart?
Yes. The editor’s chart picker includes horizontal bars, along with grouped and stacked variations. The example on this page opens a basic vertical bar chart.
How do I add multiple series?
Add a series in the data editor or import a table containing multiple numeric columns. Check the import preview so categories and series have the intended orientation.
Should a bar chart start at zero?
For ordinary bar comparisons, yes. Readers judge the length of each bar, so a truncated value axis can exaggerate small differences.
When should I use a line chart instead?
Use a line chart when the key question is how a metric changes over ordered times or dates. Use bars when comparing separate categories is the main task.
Can I make and export charts for free?
Yes. Guests and free accounts can export PNG, JPEG and SVG within the current daily allowance. PDF, GIF, MP4 and interactive HTML require sign-in and an active trial or paid membership. See the pricing page for current limits and plans.
Is my chart data uploaded?
Spreadsheet parsing, chart editing and export rendering run in your browser. Saving a cloud template uploads its chart configuration and data to PeasyChart. Export authorization uses the server to check your allowance or membership.
Make your next chart with your own data.
Import your spreadsheet, or explore the sample before using your own file.