Two classes by subject
Start a double bar graph with two matched datasets.
Class B leads Math by 7 points; Class A leads Science by 6.
Use template →Grouped Bar Graph Maker
Use this grouped bar chart maker to compare two or more datasets side by side. Start with a double bar graph, add series, and download your chart for free.
- Free to use
- No watermark
- No signup
- Data stays in your browser
Graph editor
Loading your locally saved graph…
Templates open new graphs and keep your current work. Up to 20 per page, saved in this browser.
Start with a bar graph template
Choose an editable example. Each template opens a new graph and keeps your current work in My graphs. All values are illustrative.
This year vs last year
Compare product sales across two periods.
Notebook sales rose from 80 to 110 units.
Use template →Quarterly results for three teams
Use a triple bar graph for three series in the same unit.
Team C completed 44 tasks in Q4; Team A completed 40.
Use template →Related graph makers
Horizontal Bar Chart Maker
Compare categories with sideways bars and a horizontal value axis.
Bar Graph Maker
Start with general category comparisons and explore bar graph layouts.
Line Graph Maker
Compare series when the main message is change over time.
Pie Chart Maker
Show how one set of nonnegative values contributes to a whole.
How to make a grouped bar chart
- 1
Align the categories
Put category names in the first column. Each row should describe the same category for every dataset, such as Math scores for both classes.
- 2
Name each dataset
Use two numeric columns for a double bar graph. Rename their headers for the legend, or choose Add series for a third or fourth dataset.
- 3
Compare and download
Keep measurements in the same unit. Customize colors, orientation and labels, then export PNG or SVG for your assignment or report.
What is a grouped bar chart?
A grouped bar chart places a separate bar for each dataset beside the other bars in its category. Also called a clustered or multiple bar graph, it helps you compare individual values across groups.
A double bar graph has exactly two series per category. Triple and quadruple bar graphs use three and four series. They all use the same grouped layout; add a numeric column for each series.
Compare like-for-like measures on a shared scale. Scores in points can be compared with other scores in points; combining revenue in dollars with profit margins in percent would give misleading bar lengths.
Double bar graph example
Illustrative average scores, measured in points. Class B leads Math by 7 points, while Class A leads Science by 6. These are example values, not research data.
| Subject | Class A | Class B |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 78 | 85 |
| Science | 86 | 80 |
| English | 82 | 88 |
| History | 74 | 79 |
Double, triple, or multiple bars?
Choose the number of series in the data table. A category stays on one row as you add comparison columns.
Double bar graph
Two numeric columns create a pair of bars per category. Compare this year with last year, or two classes across the same subjects.
Triple or quadruple bar graph
Choose Add series once or twice to compare three or four datasets. Give every column a descriptive header and use consistent units.
Multiple or clustered bars
These describe the same grouped layout. With many series, hide some through the legend or compare fewer groups to keep the chart readable.
Grouped vs stacked bar charts
Choose the layout based on the comparison you need to make.
Grouped: compare individual values
Side-by-side bars share a baseline, making Class A and Class B easy to compare within each subject. Use this layout for separate groups or periods measured in the same unit.
Stacked: show parts of a total
Stacked charts join component values into one bar. Use them when the components form a meaningful total, such as spending categories within a budget. Adding two class averages does not create a useful total. This page creates grouped bars.
What can you compare?
Use matched categories and the same measurement unit for each dataset.
Class scores by subject
Compare two classes in Math, Science and English using average scores in points, as in the starting example.
Sales across periods
Put products on rows and each year in its own numeric column. Compare sales measured in the same currency.
Survey groups
Compare response counts for two groups across the same answer choices. If group sizes differ, consider whether raw counts answer your question.
Grouped bar graph maker features
Side-by-side comparisons
Each dataset gets its own bar within each category, sharing the same value axis.
Named series and legend
Column headers identify the series. Use the legend to show or hide individual datasets.
Two or more series
Start with two classes and use Add series to extend the comparison without changing tools.
Horizontal or vertical
Choose horizontal bars in Customize when category names need more room.
Editable sample data
Replace the sample values, paste your own table, or upload a CSV. The grouped chart updates as you edit.
PNG and SVG downloads
Export your comparison without a watermark. Work is saved locally on this device.
Grouped and double bar graph questions
Practical answers about series, categories and side-by-side comparisons.
How do I make a double bar graph?
Keep category labels in the first column and enter the two datasets in the next two columns. The starting example already uses this structure. Rename the headers to label each series in the legend.
Are grouped and clustered bar charts the same?
Yes. Grouped, clustered and side-by-side describe the same arrangement here. A double bar graph is a grouped chart with two series.
Can I create triple and quadruple bar graphs?
Yes. Choose Add series to add a numeric column, then name it and enter a value for each category. Three numeric columns produce three bars per category; four produce four.
Can the datasets have different units?
Use the same unit for all series on this shared value axis. Comparing dollars with percentages or counts with averages would make the bar lengths difficult to interpret.
How do I make a horizontal grouped bar graph?
Open Customize and change Orientation to Horizontal. Your categories, values and series names stay in place.
What happens when a value is missing?
Leave a missing value blank. It is omitted rather than treated as zero. Enter 0 only when zero is the actual observation.
Is this grouped bar graph maker free?
Yes. Create and download PNG or SVG charts without signup or a watermark. The grouped page saves its work separately from the main bar graph page, locally in your browser.