How to Use the Excel Chart Wizard

By eHow Computers Editor

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Charts and graphs are pictorial representations of data. They are useful for viewing, measuring and understanding the trends present in a group of data that are otherwise difficult to see. The Excel Chart Wizard is a tool that makes creating charts and graphs quick and easy.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Enter your data into an Excel spreadsheet.

Step2

Start the chart wizard. Click on the "Insert" button on the toolbar and then select "Chart."

Step3

Select the type of chart you want from the "Chart type" list in the chart wizard dialog box. Different versions of the chart you have selected will appear in the "Chart sub-type" window on the right. Select one and click the "Next" button.

Step4

Examine the preview of your chart. The "Data range" tab shows you the range of data from your spreadsheet that is being displayed in your chart. If you want to change the range of data or the labels, click in the "Data range" box to make the changes without closing the wizard.

Step5

Plot your chart. Click on the "Rows" or "Columns" radio buttons to plot your chart by rows or by columns.

Step6

Add or remove data from the selected range. Click on the "Series" tab to make adjustments if there is information you would like to add or remove. Use the "Series," "Name," "Values" and "Category (X) axis labels" to make the changes.

Step7

Enter chart options. Use this step of the wizard to enter labels for your chart, select the type of gridlines to show and choose whether to hide or display a legend and the data table. Click "Next."

Step8

Choose the location of your chart. Select the "As new sheet" radio button if you want to place your chart on its own sheet. The "As object in" radio button will embed it in an existing worksheet which you can select from the drop down menu.

Step9

Click "Finish." If you selected a new sheet for your chart, it will be displayed in a separate window. Otherwise, your chart will be displayed on the worksheet you selected with handles you can use to move it where you want it.