# Stacked

> A chart word, with the charts that use it.

**Definition.** Stacked means parts placed on top of each other so the total stays visible. The bottom part reads easily; the parts above it are harder to compare.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 003 · Stacked bars

- **01 The bottom part.** Starts from zero, so it reads exactly.
- **02 The total.** The top of the stack is the total for the period.

## Where you see it

- [003 · Stacked bars](https://usechartory.com/charts/stacked-bars): Part of a whole · Fintech data
- [014 · Streamgraph](https://usechartory.com/charts/streamgraph): Change over time · Logistics data

## Common mistakes

- **The part people compare most sits on top** Only the bottom part starts from zero. Put the key part there.
- **Too many parts** Past four or five the stack turns into stripes. Group the small ones.

## Questions

### Stacked or grouped?

Stacked when the total matters, grouped when the parts are compared with each other.

### Can a stack show shares?

Yes, when each stack is scaled to 100%.

## Related terms

- [Share](https://usechartory.com/glossary/share): A part divided by its total, read as a percent.
- [Series](https://usechartory.com/glossary/series): One set of values drawn together, such as one line or one colour of bars.
- [Hierarchy](https://usechartory.com/glossary/hierarchy): Parts that sit inside other parts, several levels deep.
- [Area](https://usechartory.com/glossary/area): The filled space under a line, read for volume over time.

## Stacked bars, streamgraph and the other types.

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