How to Create a Stacked Column Chart With the Data Plotted in Rows Using Excel

1. Open the Excel 2010 file that hold the data that you want to use in a chart.
2. Check the data to ensure that you have headers in the first column. If you don't, right-click on the letter above the first column and choose 'Insert.' Type in a header for each row into the column you just created.
3. Click on any cell that is part of your data field. Excel will automatically expand the selection to all adjacent cells when you create the chart. If you need to chart a specific area of your data, click on the top left cell of the area you want to chart, then hold 'Shift' and click on the bottom right cell.
4. Select the 'Insert' tab at the top of the screen. Locate the 'Charts' area, and click on the 'Column' button to bring up a pop-up menu that includes all of the column chart options. Select the 'Stacked Column' option to create your chart.
5. Right-click anywhere on the chart, and choose 'Select Data.' A small window appears on the screen. Click the 'Switch Row/Column' button in the middle of the screen, and then click 'OK.' Your graph changes to show each row of data as a stacked column.