How to Make a Bar Chart in Tableau?

This tutorial will help you master data visualization skills, helping you create impactful Tableau bar charts with ProjectPro!

A Bar graph is a graphical or pictorial representation of data using rectangular horizontal or vertical bars of varying heights. It is the most widely used graph in data handling statistics. Generally, in Tableau, Measurements and Dimensions plotted in rows and columns automatically create a bar graph. This tutorial will help you understand how to create a bar graph in Tableau and other customization options. So, let’s get started! 

How to Create a Bar Chart in Tableau? 

Bar charts are a staple visualization in Tableau, offering a straightforward yet powerful way to represent categorical data. To create a basic bar chart, connect your data source and drag the desired dimension onto the Rows shelf and the measure onto the Columns shelf. Tableau automatically selects the appropriate chart type, but you can manually choose the "Bar" chart from the "Show Me" panel. Further customization options, such as colors and labels, can be adjusted from the "Marks" card, allowing you to tailor the visualization to your preferences.

Check out the video below for a detailed practical demonstration - 

How to Make a Bar Chart with Multiple Measures? 

Sometimes, you may want to compare multiple measures in the same bar chart. Here's how you can achieve that:- 

Let’s create a bar chart with Regions as the categorical variable and Profit and Sales as the measures to compare. Once your data is organized, select the Regions column and one of the measure columns (Profit or Sales) and insert a bar chart. Then, customize the chart to include both measures by adding the second measure column. This will create a grouped bar chart where each region has two bars representing Profit and Sales. 

Tableau bar chart with Multiple measures

 

Tableau Bar Chart Formatting 

You can customize the appearance by adjusting the size, color, and label options. For instance, you can color the bars based on a specific dimension (like Region) to differentiate between categories. Additionally, you can add labels to the bars to display the exact values of each bar. 

How to show numbers on a bar chart in Tableau

 

How to Stack Data in Tableau Bar Graph?

Stacked bar graphs illustrate how each category contributes to the total, aiding in comparisons and insights within and across categories. So, if you want to convert your bar chart to a Stacked bar chart, click on the ‘Show me’ feature and then choose the stacked bar chart. 

 

How to Make a Stacked Bar Chart in Tableau?

 

This shift helps you easily understand how each category contributes to the overall total, facilitating meaningful comparisons and illuminating insights both within specific categories and across the entire dataset.

How to Change the Bar Graph from Horizontal to Vertical in Tableau? 

Transitioning a bar graph from horizontal to vertical in Tableau is a breeze, and once again, the "Show Me" feature comes to the rescue. Start by accessing your existing horizontal bar graph. Next, navigate to the top-right corner of the Tableau interface, where you'll find the "Show Me" panel. Click on it to reveal a variety of chart types. From the options presented, select the vertical bar chart. In an instant, Tableau will transform your horizontal bars into vertical ones, effortlessly adapting your visualization to a new orientation. 

Become a Tableau Expert with ProjectPro! 

This tutorial has helped you craft impactful bar charts in Tableau, from selecting the appropriate data sources to customizing the design to suit your needs. Following these guidelines and practicing with hands-on examples will help you become proficient in leveraging Tableau's features to create visually compelling and informative bar charts. So, whether you're a data analyst, business professional, or student looking to enhance your data visualization skills using Tableau - ProjectPro gives an excellent hands-on learning platform with access to over 250+ solved data science and big data projects to unlock new opportunities for analysis and decision-making. 

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