How to Make Charts or Graphs in Excel?

Steps in making graphs in Excel:

  • Numerical Data: The first thing required in your Excel is numerical data. Charts or graphs can only be built using numerical data sets.Data Headings: These are often called data labels. The headings of each column should be understandable and readable.Data in Proper Order: It is very important how the data looks in Excel. If the information to build a chart is bits and pieces, we might find it difficult to construct a chart. So arrange the data properly.

Examples (Step by Step)

Below are some examples of how to make charts in Excel.

Example #1

Example #2

We have seen how to create a graph with auto-selection of the data range. Next, we will show you how to build an Excel chart with a manual data selection.

  • First, we must select the date range we are using for a graph. Then, go to the “INSERT” tab > under the “Charts” section, and select the “COLUMN” chart. We can see many other types under the “Column” chart but prefer the first one. As soon as we have selected the chart, we can see the below chart in Excel. It is not the finished product yet. We need to make some arrangements here. So, we must select the blue-colored bars and press the “Delete” button. Else, right-click on bars and choose “Delete.” Now, we do not know which bar represents which year. So, right-click on the chart and select “Select Data.” In the below window, we must click on “EDIT,” which is on the right-hand side. After we click on the “EDIT option,” we will see a small dialog box below. It will ask to select the “Horizontal Axis Labels.” So, choose the “Year” column. Now, we have the “Year” name below each bar. After that, change the heading or title of the chart as per the requirement by double-clicking on the existing header. Add “Data Labels” for each bar. The “Data Labels” are each bar’s numbers to convey the message perfectly. Right-click on the column bars and select “Add Data Labels.” Change the color of the column bars to different colors. Next, select the bars and press “Ctrl + 1.” We may see the format chart dialog box on the right-hand side. Now, go to the “FILL” option, and select the option “Vary colors by point.” Now, we have a neatly arranged chart in front of us.

Now, we have a neatly arranged chart in front of us.

  • Step 1: First, we must place the cursor in the empty cell and click on the “Insert Chart.”

  • Step 2: After we click on the “Insert Chart,” we can see a blank chart.

  • Step 3: Right-click on the chart and choose the “Select Data” option.

  • Step 4: In the below window, click on “Add.”

  • Step 5: In the below window, under “Series name,” select the heading of the data series, and under the “Series values,” select data series values.

  • Step 6: Now, the default chart is ready.

Now, we must apply the steps shown in the previous example to modify the chart. Next, refer to steps 5 to 12 to alter the chart.

Things to Remember

  • For the same data, we can insert all types of charts. It is important to identify a suitable chart.If the data is smaller, it is easy to plot a graph without any hurdles.In the case of percentage data, we must select the PIE chartPIE ChartMaking a pie chart in excel can help you with the pictorial representation of your data and simplifies the analysis process. There are multiple kinds of pie chart options available on excel to serve the varying user needs.read more.We must try using different charts for the same data to identify the best fit chart for the data set.

This article is a guide to Making Charts in Excel. Here, we discuss how to make charts or graphs in Excel, practical examples, and a downloadable Excel template. You may learn more about Excel from the following articles: –

  • Organization Chart in ExcelExamples of Line Chart in ExcelExcel Chart Templates8 Types of Charts in ExcelInfographics in Excel