segmented bar chart / Chart type guide
Segmented Bar Chart: Definition, Examples, and When to Use It
A segmented bar chart breaks each bar into smaller parts so you can compare a whole category and the parts that make up that whole.
Segmented bar chart definition
A segmented bar chart is a bar chart where each bar is divided into sections. The full bar represents a total, and each segment represents one part of that total.
Divided, compound, and component bar charts
Classrooms and charting tools may call this a divided bar chart, compound bar chart, component bar chart, or stacked bar chart. The visual idea is the same: one bar is split into meaningful parts.
Best segmented bar chart examples
Segmented bars work well when composition matters as much as total size.
- Revenue by product line within each region
- Survey responses by audience segment
- Traffic channels by month
- Budget categories inside each department
- Market share by brand inside each country
Segmented vs stacked bar chart
Most tools use segmented and stacked bar chart to describe the same visual idea. Use the wording your audience expects: "segmented" is common in education, while "stacked" is common in Excel and BI tools.
Segmented vs clustered bar chart
Use segmented bars when parts add up to a total. Use a clustered bar chart when separate series should sit side by side and do not need to add up to one whole.
When to avoid a segmented chart
Avoid segmented bars when there are too many segments, when small differences matter, or when viewers need to compare one middle segment across many categories.
Copyable data
CSV example
Use this small dataset to test whether the chart structure fits your use case.
region,Product A,Product B,Product C
North,42,33,25
South,30,44,26
West,22,31,47FAQ
Is a segmented bar chart the same as a stacked bar chart?
Usually yes. Both show parts inside a larger bar, though naming varies by tool and classroom context.
What is a divided bar chart?
A divided bar chart is another name for a segmented or stacked bar chart, where each bar is divided into parts of a whole.
What is the best data format for a segmented bar chart?
Use one category column and one numeric column for each segment. Each row becomes one segmented bar.
Can I make a segmented chart from CSV?
Yes. Use columns for the category and each segment value, or use long data with category, segment, and value fields.
When should I use 100% segmented bars?
Use 100% segmented bars when percentages matter more than raw totals, such as survey response shares.
Last updated: 2026-07-06