How to Make a Double Bar Graph

By eHow Computers Editor

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Microsoft Excel is a tool that sifts a grouping of data and turns it into a variety of charts and graphs to give a polished and professional quality to every project. With these simple instructions under your belt, you can create graphs of a variety of colors and information to fit any circumstance. Read on to learn how to make a double bar graph.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Open an Excel spreadsheet.

Step2

Enter the data that needs to be charted, making sure to save frequently to insure no work is lost.

Step3

Click "Insert" on the tool bar.

Step4

Go down to "Chart" and right click the mouse. This opens the Excel Chart Wizard. This allows you to customize the type of chart you want to use to best show the data.

Step5

Choose "Column" and select the double bar graph pictured among the choices.

Step6

Click "Next" at the bottom of the list of options located at the bottom of the chart wizard.

Step7

Select the cells that hold the information you are charting. Place your mouse at the top of the first cell. Right click your mouse and do not let go. Drag to the bottom corner of the last cell of data and then let go of the mouse. This will create a box around the data you need to chart.

Step8

Keep the Excel Chart Wizard open and you will notice that the cell formula is auto entered for you.

Step9

Select "Next" from the bottom of the Excel Chart Wizard for the next two options. This tells the chart wizard what to do with the specified data.

Step10

Choose "Titles" from the top of the Excel Chart Wizard to enter a title for your graph, likewise choose "Data Labels" and "Data Table" to place text in the graph for easier understanding.

Step11

Select "Next" to determine if you want the graph to show in the Excel Spreadsheet or if you want to show it as a separate page.

Step12

Click on "Finish" to close the Excel Chart Wizard. Your graph will appear as you have selected.

Step13

Right click on "Legend" on the graph itself to make changes. Choose "Format Legend" from the choices and you are then able to change colors, add text, change fonts or add borders.