How to Make a Bar Graph Using Microsoft Excel 2003

Bar graph in Microsoft Excel 2003

Microsoft Excel 2003 makes it easy to make a bar graph. All you need to do is supply the data for the bar graph and then let Microsoft Excel 2003 create the bar graph for you. Here is how to make a bar graph using Microsoft Excel 2003.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Headings for data

   Label the data you want to graph in Microsoft Excel 2003. In Row 1, type the labels for each piece of data you plan to graph. For example, type “Month” in cell A1 and “Units” in cell B1.

2. Data for bar graph

   Enter the data that you want to graph. Microsoft Excel 2003 needs you to provide the data that will be included in the bar graph. Under the labels you have set up in each row, type the information you want to graph. For example, type the months of the year under the heading in Column A (“Jan” in A2), and the units under the heading in Column B to correspond with the months in Column A.

3. Open the chart wizard window. From the menu bar, select Insert>Chart.

4. Chart wizard

   Select the type of bar graph you want to make. Under Chart Type, select "Bar". Then, click to select the particular type of bar graph you want to make under Chart sub-type. Click “Next.”

5. Chart wizard

   Select the range for the data to be included in the bar graph. Microsoft Excel 2003 defaults to capture the data in the spreadsheet. If Microsoft Excel 2003 does not default to capture the data, then click and drag your mouse over the data to be included in the bar graph. Click “Next.”

6. Chart wizard

   Define bar graph options. Microsoft Excel 2003 provides several tabs to define bar graph options, such as to define where to put the legend, what information should be tracked on which axis and what the title of the bar graph should be. Make your selections and then click “Next.”

7. Bar graph

   Define where to save the bar graph. The default is to save the bar graph in the current spreadsheet. Click the radio button for your choice and then click "Finish". The bar graph appears where you told Microsoft Excel 2003 to make it.

8. Change the text on the bar graph if needed. If you want to change the title or other text on the bar graph, click on the text you want to change and then type in your changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you provide enough data for the type of bar graph you select in Microsoft Excel 2003. Some bar graphs require more than two columns of data.