A stacked column chart extends the basic column chart by dividing each bar into segments that represent sub-categories. It enables the viewer to compare total values and understand the composition of each total simultaneously. This is particularly useful when you need to track multiple categories within a single group.
For example, a company could use a stacked column chart to show total monthly sales by region, with each segment representing a product line. This lets the viewer see both the overall sales performance per month and the individual contribution of each product. While it’s good for showing part-to-whole relationships over categories, too many segments can reduce readability.