How to create graphs in Excel

First you need the data you want to present in your graph. Enter this data in a worksheet. Label your table correctly right from the start. This will save you time later because Excel automatically copies the labels to the graph. Next, select the range of cells you want to use in your graph. The range doesn’t have to be continuous. You can use the Ctrl key to select several smaller ranges.

A standard graph in Excel consists of different elements. The actual graph representing the selected data is displayed in the middle. Further information is shown alongside it:

• Axis title: This label provides information about the values you’re showing.
• Chart title: A title ensures that everyone knows what the chart is about.
• Data label: You can also label individual values directly so that they’re easier to distinguish, especially in large charts.
• Data table: You can display the corresponding table directly within the chart as a visual aid.
• Error bars: You can display error bars in graphs to show margins of error and standard deviations.
• Legend: Use a legend to explain what the different colours inside the diagramme mean.
• Trendline: You can add trend lines to your graph to show the direction of a trend.
• Up/down bars: Use this element to show deviations between different data series.

There are two different ways of adding elements to a graph. You can use the “Add Chart Element” button on the Design tab of the “Chart Tools” menu bar. Or you can click the plus icon directly next to the selected graph. You can then add or remove elements.

In addition to changing graph elements, you can modify the data in your graph after you create it. The Microsoft Office application gives you a range of options for doing this: On one hand, Excel charts are dynamic. When you change the data in the source table, the columns, lines or pie shapes in your chart will change too.

Alternatively, you can change the values selected within the graph: For example, you can choose the Chart Filters button (filter icon next to the chart) to show or hide data series and categories. Click “Select Data...” to display a dialogue with several options for selecting the values. In this dialogue, you can change the data range, add further series of values or switch the rows and columns.

In many cases, you may want to adjust the layout of your graph in addition to the purely functional elements. For example, you might want to create a graph in order to present collected and calculated data to other people. Excel offers a range of options for adapting the layout to your corporate design.

The first option is to choose from different predefined layouts. You can access these either from the “Design” tab in the “Chart Styles” section of the ribbon or use the paint brush icon directly next to the graph.