Excel Charts

Excel charts transform raw data into clear, visual representations, enabling us to analyze trends, compare datasets and communicate insights effectively. Charts visually represent data, making complex information easier to interpret. Different chart types include:

• Column Chart: Compares values across categories.
• Bar Chart: Similar to column charts but with horizontal bars.
• Line Chart: Displays trends over time.
• Pie Chart: Shows proportions of a whole.
• Combo Chart: Combines multiple chart types (e.g., column and line).

1. Creating a Chart in Excel

Follow the steps below to create a chart in Excel:

Step 1: Select the data for which we want to create the chart.

Step 2: Go to Insert tab and Select type of Chart

Click on the Insert tab and select the type of chart we want to create or select the icon on the right side of the selected data and select the chart.

Step 3: Preview the Result

2. Changing the Chart Type

Follow the below steps to change the chart type:

• Click on Chart Design
• Click on Change Chart Type
• Select the type of chart we want

3. Customizing the Chart Type

3.1 Switch Row/Column

To switch the rows or columns follow the below steps:

• Go to the Design tab in the Ribbon.
• Click on Switch Row/Column

3.2 Legend Position

Follow the below steps to place the legends

• Go to Chart Design in Insert chart
• Click on Add Chart Element
• Navigate to Legend
• Select where we want to place our legends.

3.3 Data Labels

Use the below steps to place data labels in the chart:

• Go to Chart Design in Insert chart
• Click on Add Chart Element
• navigate to Data Labels
• Select where we want to place our Data Labels.

4. Moving a Chart in Excel

When we insert a new chart, it will initially be embedded within the same worksheet that contains the data it's based on. To maintain better data organization, we can effortlessly shift the chart to a different worksheet.

Step 1: Pick the chart we wish to reposition.

Step 2: Go to Insert Tab and, then opt for the "Move Chart" function.

Step 3: This action will open the Move Chart dialog box. Choose our preferred destination for the chart. In our example, we'll opt to relocate it to a "New sheet," creating a fresh worksheet.

Step 4: Confirm our selection by clicking "OK."

The chart will now appear in the chosen location. In our example, the chart is now visible on a brand-new worksheet.

5. Keeping Charts Updated

Normally, if we add new data to our spreadsheet, our chart might not update. To make it update, click the chart and it will show the data range in our spreadsheet. Drag the loour-right corner to include the new data.

Preview Result