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Diverging bar chart

DATYLON > CHART LIBRARY > Diverging bar chart

What is a diverging bar chart?

Diverging bar chart is a set of bars that are extended into different directions from a baseline. One group of values are displayed to the right of the baseline, second group – to the left. Diverging bar charts are usually color coded to differentiate these groups.

Diverging bar chart is used for comparing two groups of series. If there are multiple contributions for every side it is useful that you can see every component both as a part of a whole and a part of the particular side.

Diverging bar charts are commonly used for profit and loss analysis, budget allocations, election results, customer satisfaction and survey analysis.

datylon-chart-library-survey-results-diverging chart

Variations of diverging bar chart

The charts below are variations of an diverging bar chart. To learn how to make them with Datylon, check out the bar chart user documentation in the Help Center.
A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a stacked bar chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a stacked bar chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Stacked bar chart

In stacked bar charts, unlike the diverging bar chart, negative values are allowed. It means that bars can be placed on both side of the axis independently. In diverging bar chart all the bars of one category are on the same side relative to the axis. 

A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a population pyramid with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a population pyramid with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Population pyramid

Population pyramid is a very specific variation of the diverging bar chart. It has a rigid structure. The right side of the chart represents the female population, left side - male population. Each side is also divided into 5-year cohorts (rarely it’s a 10-year cohort). 

A yellow icon shows a simplified example of grouped bar chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a grouped bar chrart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Grouped bar chart

Grouped bar charts can be perceived as a variation of a two series diverging chart with bars on one side. It can be a good solution if the difference between two bars should be visible and distinguishable. Grouped bar charts can also save some horizontal space.

Alternatives to a diverging bar chart

Substitute your diverging bar chart with any of the charts below when you want an alternative that shows a part-to-whole relationship.
A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a streamgraph with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a streamgraph with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Stream graph

Streamgraph chart can be a good alternative for diverging bar charts in case there are an odd number of series to visualize. It also allows to show the neutral option in the survey results.

A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a stacked area chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a stacked area chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Stacked area chart

Stacked area charts are very similar to stacked bar charts and can fulfill the same function as diverging bar charts. The only difference is the visual representation of the area vs the bars.

A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a treemap with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a treemap with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Treemap

Treemap is a good alternative to diverging bar chart in case the grouping of bars is not essential and also the scale difference of the values is too big to visualise it using bars.

Pro tips for designing a diverging bar chart

Learn how to improve the readability and visual appeal of your diverging bar chart.
An image supporting the paragraph about coloring of diverging bar chart, explained in detail the paragraph next to it

Coloring

The essential part of the diverging chart DNA is the coloring. Especially if it’s a stacked diverging bar chart. Left and right side of the chart (related to the baseline) should be colored in different hues and single bars differ in lightness or saturation of the color. Also consider accessibility of colors. You can learn more about it here.

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Image supporting the paragraph about the labeling options for diverging bar chart.

Labeling

Direct labels are the best option for diverging bar charts, especially if there are multiple bars. The optimal place for labels in diverging bar charts is in the center of every bar. Categorical labels are usually placed to the side or in the middle, between the bar stacks.

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Image supporting the paragraph about styling neutral categories in surveys.

Neutral category in surveys

If there’s a neutral category in surveys, it can be a challenging task to visualize it properly, as usually it is placed in the middle, and the bars in diverging chart are usually placed around the baseline. There are several solutions to this:
– place the neutral category next to the baseline to the positive or negative side, separating it with the color;
– divide the neutral category between two series, using the same color for both of them;
– add an additional chart for neutral category only;

Image supporting the paragraph about the placement of the zero baseline in diverging bar charts. of the icons in the icon array charts.

Zero baseline

Sometimes it’s not obvious where is the border between two parts of the chart is placed. In this case it’s better to add an actual line for a zero baseline. This can help avoid confusion for the reader.

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Create your own diverging bar chart

Join Datylon for free and get started online or download our Datylon for Illustrator plug-in with a 14-day trial. Connect with a Datylon expert for a demo session.

Diverging bar chart examples & inspiration

Scroll and click on the images below to find inspiration samples of diverging bar charts. With your Datylon account, you can use these designs, customize and update them with new data. Or start designing your very own diverging bar chart!

Discover more charts in our Chart Library

Learn more about the different types of charts and graphs you can design with Datylon. Discover other resource pages in our Datylon Chart Library.