How to Graph a Function in Excel

Microsoft's popular Excel program has a large and impressive set of features and functions. The spreadsheet user can use these functions not only to easily work with large amounts of data, but also to graphically illustrate the data. A common use for Excel is to graph a function.

Instructions

1. Plug numerical values into the function to be graphed and compile the resulting set of data.

2. Put the resulting values that will correspond to the x-axis of your graph into a column of the spreadsheet.

3. Put the resulting values that will correspond to the y-axis of your graph into an adjacent column of the spreadsheet.

4. Use your mouse to select the x and y values in the columns that you wish to graph.

5. Click on "Insert" at the top of the Excel window, and then select "Chart".

6. Click on the option labeled "XY (Scatter) or Line."

7. Select one of the variations of the chart you just chose in step 6 by double-clicking on it.

Tips & Warnings

• XY Scatter charts and line charts appear very similar, but they display values differently. A line chart is usually a better choice when displaying values over time.

References

• Creating XY (Scatter) and Line charts

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Help for Excel 2007