How to Create an XY Chart
Often used for analyzing engineering, scientific and statistical data, the XY chart can also help anyone forecast trends by tracking factual data over a specific period of time. When two or more values are compared, it is easy to measure the performance of each one and compare them at various intervals. While this type of chart can show pronounced differences between principles, it can also measure commonalities for added insight.
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Instructions
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1
Open Excel and in a new workbook, create a data spreadsheet for the XY chart to reference. Enter the months, as shown in the graphic depiction in cells "A1" through "M4." (NOTE: You can create a chart similar to the one shown instead.)
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2
Select "Insert" from the menu bar. Next, choose "Chart." (NOTE: You can choose the chart icon on the menu bar if it is available.)
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3
Go to the "Standard Types" tab and select the "XY(Scatter)" chart from the Chart Type list box.
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4
Press the "Press and Hold to View Sample" button to preview the chart before making your final selection. When ready, click "Next."
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5
Verify that the data are correct and then click "Next."
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Go to the "Titles" tab and enter a name for the chart. Enter names for "X and Y Axis Values" if desired.
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Select option "As Object In" and choose "Sheet1." Press "Finish." (NOTE: Other options include placing the chart in a different worksheet or creating a new worksheet to house the chart.)
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8
Click on the chart to activate the "Chart" menu to modify the chart. Select "Chart" and choose "Chart Options."
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Tips & Warnings
The illustration shown above was to illustrate a different way to use an XY chart. If you prefer to see corresponding dates, such as months, depicted, a line chart would show this information. To do this, click on the chart to make the modifying menu visible. Next, select "Chart" from the toolbar menu and then choose "Chart Type." Pick "Line" and select a "Chart Sub-Type" from the list.
