Making a graph on word

Word for Microsoft 365 Word 2021 Word 2019 Word 2016 Word 2013 Word 2010 Word Starter 2010 More…Less

You can make a chart in Word. If you have lots of data to chart, create your chart in Excel, and then copy from Excel to another Office program. This is also the best way if your data changes regularly and you want your chart to always reflect the latest numbers. In that case, when you copy the chart, keep it linked to the original Excel file.

To create a simple chart from scratch in Word, click Insert > Chart, and pick the chart you want.

  1. Click Insert > Chart.

    The Chart option is highlighted on the Insert tab

  2. Click the chart type and then double-click the chart you want.

    Insert Chart dialog box

  3. In the spreadsheet that appears, replace the default data with your own information.

    The spreadsheet that appears after picking the chart you want.

  4. When you’ve finished, close the spreadsheet.

  5. If you want, use the Layout Options button Layout Options button to arrange the chart and text in your document.

You can make a chart in Word or Excel. If you have lots of data to chart, create your chart in Excel, and then copy from Excel to another Office program. This is also the best way if your data changes regularly and you want your chart to always reflect the latest numbers. In that case, when you copy the chart, keep it linked to the original Excel file.

To create a simple chart from scratch in Word, click Insert > Chart and pick the chart you want.

  1. Click Insert > Chart.

    Chart button in the Illustrations group on the Insert tab in Word

  2. Click the chart type and then double-click the chart you want.

    Insert Chart dialog box

  3. In the spreadsheet that appears, replace the default data with your own information.

    The spreadsheet that appears after picking the chart you want.

  4. When you’ve finished, close the spreadsheet.

  5. If you want, use the Layout Options button Layout Options button to arrange the chart and text in your document.

Important: 
Office 2010 is no longer supported. Upgrade to Microsoft 365 to work anywhere from any device and continue to receive support.

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In Microsoft Word 2010, you can insert many kinds of data charts and graphs, such as column charts, line graphs, pie charts, bar charts, area graphs, scatter graphs, stock charts, surface charts, doughnut charts, bubble graphs, and radar graphs.

Notes: 

  • Don’t see the chart that you want in this article?     For more information about the variety of graphs and charts you can use, see Available chart types.

  • Want to create an organization chart?     For more information about how to create organization charts, see Create an organization chart.

  • If Microsoft Excel 2010 isn’t installed on your computer, you will not be able to take advantage of the advanced data charting capabilities in the Microsoft Office 2010. Instead, when you create a new data chart in Word 2010, Microsoft Graph opens.

How?

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On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click Chart.

office 14 ribbon

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In the Insert Chart dialog box, click the arrows to scroll through the chart types.

Select the type of chart that you want and then click OK.

You can choose from many different types of graphs in the Insert Chart dialog box

When you rest the mouse pointer over any chart type, a ScreenTip displays its name.

Icon image

Edit the data in Excel 2010.

When you are finished editing your data, you can close Excel.

Sample data for a chart

Sample data in an Excel worksheet

Tips

  • To get a good idea of what you can add to or change in your chart, under Chart Tools, click the Design, Layout, and Format tabs, and then explore the groups and options that are provided on each tab.

    Note: If you don’t see the Chart Tools, make sure that you click anywhere inside the chart to activate it.

    Chart Tools

  • You can also access design, layout, and formatting features that are available for specific chart elements (such as chart axes or the legend) by right-clicking those chart elements.

More information

  • To learn about the available chart types, see Available chart types.

  • To edit data in your chart, see Change the data in an existing chart.

Top of Page

See also

Present data in a chart

Need more help?

In a Word document, select Insert > Chart. Select the graph type and then choose the graph you want to insert. In the Excel spreadsheet that opens, enter the data for the graph.

Contents

  • 1 How do I insert a graph in Word?
  • 2 How do you make an XY graph in Word?
  • 3 How do I make a line graph in Word 2020?
  • 4 How do you create a graph?
  • 5 How do you make a curve graph on Microsoft Word?
  • 6 How do you create a line graph?
  • 7 How do you make a graph on the computer?
  • 8 How do you add a line in Word?
  • 9 How do I create a bar graph?
  • 10 Can you make graphs in Canva?
  • 11 How do I draw a straight line in Word?
  • 12 How do you insert a curved arrow in Word?
  • 13 How do you graph a curved line?
  • 14 Where do you plot on a graph?
  • 15 How do I use Excel to make a bar graph?
  • 16 What is an XY graph?
  • 17 How do I add a line to a graph in Excel?
  • 18 What program can I use to create a graph?
  • 19 How do I create an underline in Word?
  • 20 How do you put a line through text?

How do I insert a graph in Word?

How to Create a Graph in Word

  1. Open a document.
  2. Go to the “Insert” tab and click on “Chart.”
  3. Select the chart type and double-click on the chart you want to use.
  4. Insert your data over the default data in the spreadsheet.
  5. Click on the “X” in the upper right corner of the spreadsheet if you’re finished.

How do you make an XY graph in Word?

Step 1: Open the Word document. Step 2: Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon and click on the Chart option under the Illustrations group. Step 3: An Insert Charts dialog box will appear on the screen. Select the XY (Scatter) option from the left pane and pick a line graph that you want to insert.

How do I make a line graph in Word 2020?

To insert a line graph, go to the Insert Tab and click on Charts. A pop-up window will appear containing different types of charts and graphs. Scroll down to Line Chart and select the desired one. Then click on OK to insert the line graph on your blank page.

How do you create a graph?

How to Make a Graph in Excel

  1. Enter your data into Excel.
  2. Choose one of nine graph and chart options to make.
  3. Highlight your data and click ‘Insert’ your desired graph.
  4. Switch the data on each axis, if necessary.
  5. Adjust your data’s layout and colors.
  6. Change the size of your chart’s legend and axis labels.

How do you make a curve graph on Microsoft Word?

Draw a curve

  1. On the Insert tab, click Shapes.
  2. Under Lines, click Curve.
  3. Click where you want the curve to start, drag to draw, and then click wherever you want to add a curve.
  4. To end a shape, do one of the following: To leave the shape open, double-click at any time. To close the shape, click near its starting point.

How do you create a line graph?

To draw a line graph, first draw a horizontal and a vertical axis. Age should be plotted on the horizontal axis because it is independent. Height should be plotted on the vertical axis. Then look for the given data and plot a point for each pair of values.

How do you make a graph on the computer?

Using Excel and Copying the Graph
To do this, create the graph as you normally would in Excel (go to “Insert” and then choose the type of chart you want from the “Charts” group), and highlight the data as needed.

How do you add a line in Word?

Insert a line

  1. On the Insert tab, select Shapes.
  2. Under Lines, select any line style you like.
  3. Select a location in the document, hold and drag your pointer to a different location, and then release the mouse button.

How do I create a bar graph?

1 Method 1 of 1: Making Your Own Bar Graphs

  1. Collect your data. The first thing you have to do is to collect all of your data.
  2. Draw an x and a y-axis. This will look like a large “L” shape.
  3. Label the x-axis.
  4. Label the y-axis.
  5. Draw your bars.
  6. Interpret the data.

Can you make graphs in Canva?

Canva offers a huge range of templates for infographics, presentations and reports, so you can put your beautiful custom charts exactly where you need them. And you can publish your graphs exactly as you please: you can share, download, embed or even order professional prints.

How do I draw a straight line in Word?

How to Add a Horizontal Line in Word

  1. Launch Word.
  2. Click the Insert tab, then click the “Shapes” button in the Illustrations group.
  3. Click the first line icon in the Lines menu that drops down.
  4. Press and hold down the “Shift” key to keep your line straight when you draw it.
  5. Format the line, if desired, by clicking it.

How do you insert a curved arrow in Word?

How to Create a Curved Arrow. On the “Insert” tab of the Ribbon, click the “Shapes” button. In the “Lines” section, click one of the curved arrow shapes. You’ll find one with a single arrowhead, one with two heads, and a simple curved line with no arrowheads.

How do you graph a curved line?

Right-click on the line in the graph and select “Format Data Series.” This is where you will choose options to make the line in the graph curved.

Where do you plot on a graph?

Follow these simple steps:

  1. First, find the value for x on the x-axis.
  2. Next, find the y-value – in this case, y=1100, so find 1100 on the y-axis.
  3. Your point should be plotted at the intersection of x=0 and y=1100.
  4. Finally, plot the point on your graph at the appropriate spot.

How do I use Excel to make a bar graph?

To insert a bar chart in Microsoft Excel, open your Excel workbook and select your data. You can do this manually using your mouse, or you can select a cell in your range and press Ctrl+A to select the data automatically. Once your data is selected, click Insert > Insert Column or Bar Chart.

What is an XY graph?

Also called: scatter plot, X-Y graph. The scatter diagram graphs pairs of numerical data, with one variable on each axis, to look for a relationship between them. If the variables are correlated, the points will fall along a line or curve. The better the correlation, the tighter the points will hug the line.

How do I add a line to a graph in Excel?

In the chart, select the data series that you want to add a line to, and then click the Chart Design tab. For example, in a line chart, click one of the lines in the chart, and all the data marker of that data series become selected. Click Add Chart Element, and then click Gridlines.

What program can I use to create a graph?

Create chart or graph in Microsoft Excel and copy to Microsoft Word. Microsoft Excel provides more functionality and data manipulation capabilities than Microsoft Word provides when creating a chart or graph.

How do I create an underline in Word?

Do one of the following:

  1. Press Ctrl+U to apply a simple underline.
  2. To apply a different style of underline, go to Home and select Font dialog box launcher . Select Underline style to choose a different underline style.

How do you put a line through text?

When you have your text selected, look on the “Home” tab of Word’s Ribbon. In the “Font” group, click the Strikethrough button (it’s the three letters with a line drawn through them). Now, any text you had selected should be struck through. You can also apply strikethrough formatting using the Font window.

Visualize data in MS Word with graphs

Updated on December 9, 2021

What to Know

  • In a Word document, select Insert > Chart. Select the graph type and then choose the graph you want to insert.
  • In the Excel spreadsheet that opens, enter the data for the graph. Close the Excel window to see the graph in the Word document.
  • To access the data in the Excel workbook, select the graph, go to the Chart Design tab, and then select Edit Data in Excel.

This article explains how to create a graph in Microsoft Word for a Mac or a Windows computer. Instructions in this article apply to Microsoft Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Microsoft 365 for Windows and Mac.

How to Create a Graph in Microsoft 365 for Mac

Microsoft Word offers a variety of ways to visualize data. When you know how to make a graph in Word, you can create visual aids by importing data from Microsoft Excel.

Follow these steps to create and customize graphs in the version of Word that comes with Microsoft 365 for Mac:

  1. Select Insert in the upper-left corner of Word.

  2. Select Chart.

  3. Hover the mouse cursor over the type of graph that you wish to create, for example, Line or Statistical.

  4. A sub-menu appears that contains multiple options, including different formats and variations. Select the graph you want to insert in the document.

  5. In the Excel spreadsheet that opens, enter the data for the graph.

  6. When you’re satisfied with the category names and values, close the Excel window to see the graph in the Word document.

  7. To access the data in the Excel workbook at a later time, select the graph, go to the Chart Design tab, and then select Edit Data in Excel.

How to Create a Graph in Word for Windows

To create a graph in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013:

  1. Select Insert in the upper-left corner of Word.

  2. Select Chart.

  3. In the Insert Chart dialog box, select the type of graph that you wish to create. For example, choose either Line, Bar, or Histogram.

  4. Each grouping of graphs contains multiple options, including different formats and variations. After choosing the graph that you wish to insert, select OK.

  5. The graph appears in the Word document, and a new window containing editable data in a spreadsheet opens. To modify the category names and data, replace the existing text and numeric values with the appropriate entries. Changes made in the spreadsheet are instantly reflected in the graph.

    If you want to edit the data in Microsoft Excel, select Edit Data in Microsoft Excel in the miniature spreadsheet.

  6. When you’re satisfied with the category names and values, close the spreadsheet window.

How to Change the Graph Format and Edit Data

After the graph is created, formatting buttons appear to the right. If these buttons aren’t visible, select the chart. These settings control how the graph interacts with the text around it from a layout perspective.

You can also add or remove elements in the graph (including titles, labels, gridlines, and a legend), change graph styles and colors, and apply filters to the graph. More configurable options are found in the Windows version as opposed to macOS.

To access or edit the data in the graph, select Edit Data or Edit Data in Excel.

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  1. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 1

    1

    Open a Microsoft Word document. To do so, you can double-click an existing Word document, or you can open Microsoft Word and select your document from the Recent section.

    • If you’re opening a new document, simply open the Microsoft Word program and click Blank document instead.
  2. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 2

    2

    Click in the document where you want to insert your graph. Doing so will place the blinking cursor where you clicked; this is where your graph will appear when you add it.

    • For example, clicking below a paragraph of text will set that location as the place to insert your graph.

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  3. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 3

    3

    Click the Insert tab. It’s at the top of the Word page, to the right of the Home tab.

  4. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 4

    4

    Click Chart. You’ll see this option below and to the right of the Insert tab. Its icon resembles several different-colored bars.

  5. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 5

    5

    Click a chart format. These are listed on the left side of the Chart pop-up window.

    • A few common chart formats are Line, Column, and Pie.
    • You can customize your chart’s format by clicking an appearance option at the top of your format’s window.
  6. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 6

    6

    Click OK. Doing so will insert your chart into your document.

    • You’ll also see a small Excel window with cells appear—this is where you’ll input your data.
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  1. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 7

    1

    Click a cell in the Excel window. Doing so will select it, which will allow you to add a point of data to that cell.

    • The values in the «A» column dictate the X-axis data of your graph.
    • The values in the «1» row each pertain to a different line or bar (e.g., «B1» is a line or bar, «C1» is a different line or bar, and so on).
    • Numerical values outside of the «A» column or the «1» row represent different points of data on the Y-axis.
    • Anything written in an Excel cell can be re-written to reflect your data.
  2. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 8

    2

    Type in a number or name.

  3. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 9

    3

    Press Enter or Return. Doing so will enter your data into the cell, allowing you to move on to another cell.

  4. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 10

    4

    Repeat this process for every point of data you need. As you enter data, your graph will change to display it.

  5. Image titled Add a Graph to Microsoft Word Step 11

    5

    Click X in the top right corner of the Excel window. Doing so will close the window and save your graph changes.

    • You can re-open the Excel window at any time by clicking on your graph.
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Add New Question

  • Question

    How do I label the axes in a line graph?

    Community Answer

    The «Chart Tools» menu. Click on the tab entitled «Layout» in the Chart Tools menu. Click on «Axis Titles» from within the «Labels» group. Click on «Primary Horizontal Axis Title» or «Secondary Horizontal Axis Title» to add a horizontal axis text box to your chart.

  • Question

    How do I make a table around existing text in my document?

    Community Answer

    You need to click «Insert» and then click «Smartapp.» Then click on «Relationships» on the left hand side and pick your table.

  • Question

    How do I change the title if I update entries?

    Community Answer

    You can just click on your title and type in the updated title when you’re ready.

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About This Article

Article SummaryX

1. Click where you want to put the graph.
2. Click Insert.
3. Click Chart.
4. Select a format.
5. Click OK.
6. Click the Excel window.
7. Add graph data.

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 646,939 times.

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how to make graph in word

Highlights

  • Adding a graph in your Word document protects your readers from data overloading as it becomes easier to inspect statistics by looking at graphs.
  • Besides this, you can make a graph in Word very easily.
  • Creating a graph in a Microsoft word document merely involves 3 steps which are Choosing and inserting a graph style, Entering graph data into a spreadsheet, and Formatting and editing a graph.

When you insert a graph in word, it helps your readers to have a quick view of statistics and the understanding becomes easier. Whereas looking at columns after columns can create an overload for them.

So if you want to attract your reader’s attention and focus on your word file, adding a graph is your best pick.

But if you don’t know how to make graph in Word, don’t worry, I’m going to break down the procedure into 4 steps only for your convenience.

Luckily, you are only a read away from creating your first graph in MS Word.

How to Create a Graph in Word 2013 for Windows

To create a graph in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013 follow the below steps.

Step 1

Select Insert in the upper-left corner of Word and select Chart.

how to make graph in word

Step 2

In the Insert Chart dialog box, select the type of graph that you wish to create. For example, choose either Line, Bar, or Histogram.

Each grouping of graphs contains multiple options, including different formats and variations. After choosing the graph that you wish to insert, select OK.

how to make graph in word

Step 3

The graph arises in the Word document, and a new window including editable data in a spreadsheet opens. To change the category names and data, replace the current text and numeric values with the relevant entries. Changes done in the spreadsheet are instantly reflected in the graph.

how to make graph in word

Pro Tip: If you want to edit the data in Microsoft Excel, select Edit Data in Microsoft Excel in the miniature spreadsheet.

Step 4

When you’re supplied with the category names and values, close the spreadsheet window by clicking x.

how to make graph in word

How to Modify the Graph Format and Edit Data

After the graph is created, formatting buttons appear to the right as shown in the image below.

how to change graph format in word

These buttons include the:

  1. “Chart Elements chart elements button” button – hides, shows, or formats data labels and axis titles.
  2. “Chart Styles chart styles button” button – changes chart style or color scheme.
  3. “Chart Filters chart filters button” button – hides or shows data, advanced features.
  4. “Layout Options layout options button” button – changes the way that your chart interacts with the document text.

If these buttons aren’t visible, select the chart. . These settings control how the graph interacts with the text around it from a layout perspective.

To access or edit the data in the graph, select Edit Data or Edit Data in Excel.

How to Edit graph Data in word

People Also Ask

How do I make an XY Chart in Word?

To make an XY Chart in Word, click on Insert > Chart. And then select the XY Chart from the All Charts option and click OK.
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How do you make a line graph on Microsoft Word?

To make a line graph in Microsoft Word, click on Insert > Chart. And then select the line from the All Charts option and click OK.
[jpg-to-webp output image]

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