How to Make a Graph Using Excel

Microsoft Excel makes it easy to make a graph. All you need to do is supply the data for the graph and then let Excel create the graph for you. Excel provides several graph options from which to choose. Here is how to make a graph using Excel.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic knowledge of Excel
• Data for graph
• Excel

Microsoft Excel 2007

1. 
   Headings for data

   Label the data you want to graph. 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 graph

   Enter the data that you want to graph. Excel needs you to provide the data that will be included in the graph. Under the labels you have set up at the top of each column, 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. Highlight the data for the graph. Click and drag your mouse across the data in the Excel spreadsheet that you want included in the graph.

4. 
   Insert tab

   Click on the "Insert" tab. The insert tab is the second tab at the top of the screen.

5. 
   Charts section

   Locate the "Charts" section of the insert ribbon. Several types of graphs (called “charts” in Excel) are available from which to choose.

6. 
   Graph options

   Click on the type of graph you want to create. A variety of options for that type of graph will display.

7. 
   Graph using Excel

   Click on the option for the graph you want Excel to make. Excel makes a graph that displays the data you provided in the Excel spreadsheet.

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

Microsoft Excel 2003

9. 
   Headings for data

   Label the data you want to graph. 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.

10. 
    Data for graph

    Enter the data that you want to graph. Excel needs you to provide the data that will be included in the 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.

11. Open the chart wizard window. From the menu bar, click "Insert" and "Chart."

12. 
    Chart wizard

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

13. 
    Chart wizard

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

14. 
    Chart wizard

    Define graph options. Excel 2003 provides several tabs to define 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 graph should be. Make your selections and then click “Next.”

15. 
    Chart wizard

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

16. 
    Graph using Excel

    Change the text on the graph, if needed. If you want to change the title or other text on the 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 graph you select in Excel. Some graphs require more than two columns of data.
• Be sure to select the type of graph in Excel that best represents the data. You can experiment with several types of graphs to find the one that best meets your needs.

[auntmarysebooks]

on 9/23/2009 Very helpful made a stressful situation easy.
Thanks