How to Create an Electronic Graph
Electronic graphs are useful tools for conveying qualitative and quantitative data visually. These visual aids enable users to chart, compare, and interpret information quickly and efficiently. A common way of creating electronic graphs is with the use of spreadsheet software. Application of the charting features offered in spreadsheets allows you to create electronic graphs that are full of detail. This gives you the power to present large pieces of data with practical and visually stimulating illustrations.
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Instructions
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Identify the objective of the graph. Write down what needs to be communicated through the graph. Determine if the graph compares, show trends or illustrate relations in sets of data. This information helps you create a title for your graph.
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Open a spreadsheet program and create a new file. Name and save the file with a relevant title.
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Create columns for each set of data and assign a header. Fill in each column of data with information that needs to be graphed.
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Highlight and select the data sets. Include all relevant data that will be conveyed in the graph.
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Open the chart creation tool by selecting insert from a drop down menu or clicking on the chart icon in the spreadsheet program.
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Select a chart type that illustrates the data sets accurately and clearly. Bar and line graphs are used to track trends and changes over a period of time. Pie charts are used to express percentages or parts of a whole. X Y plot graphs are used to determine relationships between two variables.
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Assign a chart title and enter it in the title field. The chart title clearly describes the objective for the graph.
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Select the X (horizontal) axis range and name. The X axis range consists of constant or known data set values.
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Select the Y (vertical) axis range and name. The Y axis range consists of variable or measurable data set values.
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Use the formatting tools to change the font color, type and size. Apply background effects and chart legends where needed.
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Reposition and resize the graph near the data set or on a separate worksheet. Click and drag the borders to resize the graph to your desired specifications.
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Save the graph and select print preview. Compare the graph results with your original data to determine if it illustrates the information clearly.
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Print and compare the final graph results to the monitor illustration.
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Tips & Warnings
Data sets contain values that relate to each other or multiple groups of information that need to be compared.
Assign a dummy variable to qualitative data to give it a numerical representation that could be graphed. Scattered data sets are selected by simultaneously highlighting and holding down the control key.
Avoid skewing the illustration by omitting the selection of column totals that may appear at the end of each data set.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit graph image by Attila Toro from Fotolia.com
