What is a data chart in excel

When you create a chart in an Excel worksheet, a Word document, or a PowerPoint presentation, you have a lot of options. Whether you’ll use a chart that’s recommended for your data, one that you’ll pick from the list of all charts, or one from our selection of chart templates, it might help to know a little more about each type of chart.

Click here to start creating a chart.

For a description of each chart type, select an option from the following drop-down list.

Data that’s arranged in columns or rows on a worksheet can be plotted in a column chart. A column chart typically displays categories along the horizontal (category) axis and values along the vertical (value) axis, as shown in this chart:

Clustered column chart

Types of column charts

  • Clustered column and 3-D clustered column   

    Clustered column and 3-D clustered column charts

    A clustered column chart shows values in 2-D columns. A 3-D clustered column chart shows columns in 3-D format, but it doesn’t use a third value axis (depth axis). Use this chart when you have categories that represent:

    • Ranges of values (for example, item counts).

    • Specific scale arrangements (for example, a Likert scale with entries like Strongly agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly disagree).

    • Names that are not in any specific order (for example, item names, geographic names, or the names of people).

  • Stacked column and 3-D stacked column     A stacked column chart shows values in 2-D stacked columns. A 3-D stacked column chart shows the stacked columns in 3-D format, but it doesn’t use a depth axis. Use this chart when you have multiple data series and you want to emphasize the total.

    Stacked column and 3-D stacked column charts

  • 100% stacked column and 3-D 100% stacked column    A 100% stacked column chart shows values in 2-D columns that are stacked to represent 100%. A 3-D 100% stacked column chart shows the columns in 3-D format, but it doesn’t use a depth axis. Use this chart when you have two or more data series and you want to emphasize the contributions to the whole, especially if the total is the same for each category.

    100% stacked column and 3-D 100% stacked column charts

  • 3-D column    3-D column charts use three axes that you can change (a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, and a depth axis), and they compare data points along the horizontal and the depth axes. Use this chart when you want to compare data across both categories and data series.

    3-D column chart

Data that’s arranged in columns or rows on a worksheet can be plotted in a line chart. In a line chart, category data is distributed evenly along the horizontal axis, and all value data is distributed evenly along the vertical axis. Line charts can show continuous data over time on an evenly scaled axis, so they’re ideal for showing trends in data at equal intervals, like months, quarters, or fiscal years.

Line with markers chart

Types of line charts

  • Line and line with markers    Shown with or without markers to indicate individual data values, line charts can show trends over time or evenly spaced categories, especially when you have many data points and the order in which they are presented is important. If there are many categories or the values are approximate, use a line chart without markers.

    Line and line with markers charts

  • Stacked line and stacked line with markers    Shown with or without markers to indicate individual data values, stacked line charts can show the trend of the contribution of each value over time or evenly spaced categories.

    Stacked line and stacked line with markers charts

  • 100% stacked line and 100% stacked line with markers    Shown with or without markers to indicate individual data values, 100% stacked line charts can show the trend of the percentage each value contributes over time or evenly spaced categories. If there are many categories or the values are approximate, use a 100% stacked line chart without markers.

    100% stacked line and 100% stacked line with markers charts

  • 3-D line    3-D line charts show each row or column of data as a 3-D ribbon. A 3-D line chart has horizontal, vertical, and depth axes that you can change.

    3-D line chart

    Notes: 

    • Line charts work best when you have multiple data series in your chart—if you have only one data series, consider using a scatter chart instead.

    • Stacked line charts sum the data, which might not be the result you want. It might not be easy to see that the lines are stacked, so consider using a different line chart type or a stacked area chart instead.

Data that’s arranged in one column or row on a worksheet can be plotted in a pie chart. Pie charts show the size of items in one data series, proportional to the sum of the items. The data points in a pie chart are shown as a percentage of the whole pie.

Pie chart

Consider using a pie chart when:

  • You have only one data series.

  • None of the values in your data are negative.

  • Almost none of the values in your data are zero values.

  • You have no more than seven categories, all of which represent parts of the whole pie.

Types of pie charts

  • Pie and 3-D pie    Pie charts show the contribution of each value to a total in a 2-D or 3-D format. You can pull out slices of a pie chart manually to emphasize the slices.

    Pie and 3-D pie charts

  • Pie of pie and bar of pie    Pie of pie or bar of pie charts show pie charts with smaller values pulled out into a secondary pie or stacked bar chart, which makes them easier to distinguish.

    Pie of pie and bar of pie charts

Data that’s arranged in columns or rows only on a worksheet can be plotted in a doughnut chart. Like a pie chart, a doughnut chart shows the relationship of parts to a whole, but it can contain more than one data series.

Doughnut chart

Types of doughnut charts

  • Doughnut    Doughnut charts show data in rings, where each ring represents a data series. If percentages are shown in data labels, each ring will total 100%.

    Doughnut chart

    Note: Doughnut charts aren’t easy to read. You may want to use a stacked column charts or Stacked bar chart instead.

Data that’s arranged in columns or rows on a worksheet can be plotted in a bar chart. Bar charts illustrate comparisons among individual items. In a bar chart, the categories are typically organized along the vertical axis, and the values along the horizontal axis.

Bar chart

Consider using a bar chart when:

  • The axis labels are long.

  • The values that are shown are durations.

Types of bar charts

  • Clustered bar and 3-D clustered bar    A clustered bar chart shows bars in 2-D format. A 3-D clustered bar chart shows bars in 3-D format; it doesn’t use a depth axis.

    Clustered bar and 3-D clustered bar charts

  • Stacked bar and 3-D stacked bar    Stacked bar charts show the relationship of individual items to the whole in 2-D bars. A 3-D stacked bar chart shows bars in 3-D format; it doesn’t use a depth axis.

    Stacked bar and 3-D stacked bar charts

  • 100% stacked bar and 3-D 100% stacked bar    A 100% stacked bar shows 2-D bars that compare the percentage that each value contributes to a total across categories. A 3-D 100% stacked bar chart shows bars in 3-D format; it doesn’t use a depth axis.

    100% stacked bar and 3-D 100% stacked bar charts

Data that’s arranged in columns or rows on a worksheet can be plotted in an area chart. Area charts can be used to plot change over time and draw attention to the total value across a trend. By showing the sum of the plotted values, an area chart also shows the relationship of parts to a whole.

Area chart

Types of area charts

  • Area and 3-D area    Shown in 2-D or in 3-D format, area charts show the trend of values over time or other category data. 3-D area charts use three axes (horizontal, vertical, and depth) that you can change. As a rule, consider using a line chart instead of a non-stacked area chart, because data from one series can be hidden behind data from another series.

    Area and 3-D area charts

  • Stacked area and 3-D stacked area    Stacked area charts show the trend of the contribution of each value over time or other category data in 2-D format. A 3-D stacked area chart does the same, but it shows areas in 3-D format without using a depth axis.

    Stacked area and 3-D stacked area charts

  • 100% stacked area and 3-D 100% stacked area    100% stacked area charts show the trend of the percentage that each value contributes over time or other category data. A 3-D 100% stacked area chart does the same, but it shows areas in 3-D format without using a depth axis.

    100% stacked area and 3-D 100% stacked area charts

Data that’s arranged in columns and rows on a worksheet can be plotted in an xy (scatter) chart. Place the x values in one row or column, and then enter the corresponding y values in the adjacent rows or columns.

A scatter chart has two value axes: a horizontal (x) and a vertical (y) value axis. It combines x and y values into single data points and shows them in irregular intervals, or clusters. Scatter charts are typically used for showing and comparing numeric values, like scientific, statistical, and engineering data.

Scatter chart

Consider using a scatter chart when:

  • You want to change the scale of the horizontal axis.

  • You want to make that axis a logarithmic scale.

  • Values for horizontal axis are not evenly spaced.

  • There are many data points on the horizontal axis.

  • You want to adjust the independent axis scales of a scatter chart to reveal more information about data that includes pairs or grouped sets of values.

  • You want to show similarities between large sets of data instead of differences between data points.

  • You want to compare many data points without regard to time—the more data that you include in a scatter chart, the better the comparisons you can make.

Types of scatter charts

  • Scatter    This chart shows data points without connecting lines to compare pairs of values.

    Scatter chart

  • Scatter with smooth lines and markers and scatter with smooth lines    This chart shows a smooth curve that connects the data points. Smooth lines can be shown with or without markers. Use a smooth line without markers if there are many data points.

    Scatter with smooth lines and markers and scatter with smooth lines charts

  • Scatter with straight lines and markers and scatter with straight lines    This chart shows straight connecting lines between data points. Straight lines can be shown with or without markers.

    Scatter with straight lines and markers and scatter with straight lines charts

Much like a scatter chart, a bubble chart adds a third column to specify the size of the bubbles it shows to represent the data points in the data series.

Bubble chart

Type of bubble charts

  • Bubble or bubble with 3-D effect    Both of these bubble charts compare sets of three values instead of two, showing bubbles in 2-D or 3-D format (without using a depth axis). The third value specifies the size of the bubble marker.

    Bubble and bubble with 3-D effect charts

Data that’s arranged in columns or rows in a specific order on a worksheet can be plotted in a stock chart. As the name implies, stock charts can show fluctuations in stock prices. However, this chart can also show fluctuations in other data, like daily rainfall or annual temperatures. Make sure you organize your data in the right order to create a stock chart.

For example, to create a simple high-low-close stock chart, arrange your data with High, Low, and Close entered as column headings, in that order.

Stock chart

Types of stock charts

  • High-low-close    This stock chart uses three series of values in the following order: high, low, and then close.

    High-low-close stock chart

  • Open-high-low-close    This stock chart uses four series of values in the following order: open, high, low, and then close.

    Open-high-low-close stock chart

  • Volume-high-low-close    This stock chart uses four series of values in the following order: volume, high, low, and then close. It measures volume by using two value axes: one for the columns that measure volume, and the other for the stock prices.

    Volume-high-low-close stock chart

  • Volume-open-high-low-close    This stock chart uses five series of values in the following order: volume, open, high, low, and then close.

    Volume-open-high-low-close stock chart

Data that’s arranged in columns or rows on a worksheet can be plotted in a surface chart. This chart is useful when you want to find optimum combinations between two sets of data. As in a topographic map, colors and patterns indicate areas that are in the same range of values. You can create a surface chart when both categories and data series are numeric values.

Surface chart

Types of surface charts

  • 3-D surface    This chart shows a 3-D view of the data, which can be imagined as a rubber sheet stretched over a 3-D column chart. It is typically used to show relationships between large amounts of data that may otherwise be difficult to see. Color bands in a surface chart do not represent the data series; they indicate the difference between the values.

    3-D surface chart

  • Wireframe 3-D surface    Shown without color on the surface, a 3-D surface chart is called a wireframe 3-D surface chart. This chart shows only the lines. A wireframe 3-D surface chart isn’t easy to read, but it can plot large data sets much faster than a 3-D surface chart.

    Wireframe 3-D surface chart

  • Contour    Contour charts are surface charts viewed from above, similar to 2-D topographic maps. In a contour chart, color bands represent specific ranges of values. The lines in a contour chart connect interpolated points of equal value.

    Contour chart

  • Wireframe contour    Wireframe contour charts are also surface charts viewed from above. Without color bands on the surface, a wireframe chart shows only the lines. Wireframe contour charts aren’t easy to read. You may want to use a 3-D surface chart instead.

    Wireframe contour chart

Data that’s arranged in columns or rows on a worksheet can be plotted in a radar chart. Radar charts compare the aggregate values of several data series.

Radar chart

Type of radar charts

  • Radar and radar with markers    With or without markers for individual data points, radar charts show changes in values relative to a center point.

    Radar and radar with markers charts

  • Filled radar    In a filled radar chart, the area covered by a data series is filled with a color.

    Filled radar chart

The treemap chart provides a hierarchical view of your data and an easy way to compare different levels of categorization. The treemap chart displays categories by color and proximity and can easily show lots of data which would be difficult with other chart types. The treemap chart can be plotted when empty (blank) cells exist within the hierarchal structure and treemap charts are good for comparing proportions within the hierarchy.

Example of a Treemap Chart in Office 2016 for Windows

Note: There are no chart sub-types for treemap charts.

The sunburst chart is ideal for displaying hierarchical data and can be plotted when empty (blank) cells exist within the hierarchal structure . Each level of the hierarchy is represented by one ring or circle with the innermost circle as the top of the hierarchy. A sunburst chart without any hierarchical data (one level of categories), looks similar to a doughnut chart. However, a sunburst chart with multiple levels of categories shows how the outer rings relate to the inner rings. The sunburst chart is most effective at showing how one ring is broken into its contributing pieces.

Picture of a Sunburst Chart in Office 2016 for Windows

Note: There are no chart sub-types for sunburst charts.

Data plotted in a histogram chart shows the frequencies within a distribution. Each column of the chart is called a bin, which can be changed to further analyze your data.

Sample histogram

Type of histogram charts

  • Histogram    The histogram chart shows the distribution of your data grouped into frequency bins.

    Histogram chart in the Histogram sub-type chart

  • Pareto chart    A pareto is a sorted histogram chart that contains both columns sorted in descending order and a line representing the cumulative total percentage.

    Pareto chart sub-type in the Histogram available charts

A box and whisker chart shows distribution of data into quartiles, highlighting the mean and outliers. The boxes may have lines extending vertically called “whiskers”. These lines indicate variability outside the upper and lower quartiles, and any point outside those lines or whiskers is considered an outlier. Use this chart type when there are multiple data sets which relate to each other in some way.

Sample box and whisker chart

Note: There are no chart sub-types for box and whisker charts.

A waterfall chart shows a running total of your financial data as values are added or subtracted. It’s useful for understanding how an initial value is affected by a series of positive and negative values. The columns are color coded so you can quickly tell positive from negative numbers.

Example of a Waterfall chart

Note: There are no chart sub-types for waterfall charts.

Funnel charts show values across multiple stages in a process.

Funnel chart showing sales pipeline; stages listed in the first column, values in the second

Typically, the values decrease gradually, allowing the bars to resemble a funnel. Read more about funnel charts here.

Data that’s arranged in columns and rows can be plotted in a combo chart. Combo charts combine two or more chart types to make the data easy to understand, especially when the data is widely varied. Shown with a secondary axis, this chart is even easier to read. In this example, we used a column chart to show the number of homes sold between January and June and then used a line chart to make it easier for readers to quickly identify the average sales price by month.

Type of combo charts

  • Clustered column – line and clustered column – line on secondary axis    With or without a secondary axis, this chart combines a clustered column and line chart, showing some data series as columns and others as lines in the same chart.

    Clustered column charts

  • Stacked area – clustered column    This chart combines a stacked area and clustered column chart, showing some data series as stacked areas and others as columns in the same chart.

    Stacked area - clustered column chart

  • Custom combination    This chart lets you combine the charts you want to show in the same chart.

    Custom combination chart

You can use a Map Chart to compare values and show categories across geographical regions. Use it when you have geographical regions in your data, like countries/regions, states, counties or postal codes.

For example, Countries by Population uses values. The values represent the total population in each country, with each portrayed using a gradient spectrum of two colors. The color for each region is dictated by where along the spectrum its value falls with respect to the others.

Excel MapChart with Value data

In the following example, Countries by Category, the categories are displayed using a standard legend to show groups or affiliations. Each data point is represented by an entirely different color.

Excel Map Chart by Category

Change a chart type

If you have already have a chart, but you just want to change its type:

  1. Select the chart, click the Design tab, and click Change Chart Type.

  2. Choose a new chart type in the Change Chart Type box.

Many chart types are available to help you display data in ways that are meaningful to your audience. Here are some examples of the most common chart types and how they can be used.

chart column

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a column chart. In column charts, categories are typically organized along the horizontal axis and values along the vertical axis.

Column charts are useful to show how data changes over time or to show comparisons among items.

Column charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Clustered column chart     Compares values across categories. A clustered column chart displays values in 2-D vertical rectangles. A clustered column in a 3-D chart displays the data by using a 3-D perspective.

  • Stacked column chart     Shows the relationship of individual items to the whole, comparing the contribution of each value to a total across categories. A stacked column chart displays values in 2-D vertical stacked rectangles. A 3-D stacked column chart displays the data by using a 3-D perspective. A 3-D perspective is not a true 3-D chart because a third value axis (depth axis) is not used.

  • 100% stacked column chart     Compares the percentage that each value contributes to a total across categories. A 100% stacked column chart displays values in 2-D vertical 100% stacked rectangles. A 3-D 100% stacked column chart displays the data by using a 3-D perspective. A 3-D perspective is not a true 3-D chart because a third value axis (depth axis) is not used.

  • 3-D column chart     Uses three axes that you can change (a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, and a depth axis). They compare data points along the horizontal and the depth axes.

chart line

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a line chart. Line charts can display continuous data over time, set against a common scale, and are therefore ideal to show trends in data at equal intervals. In a line chart, category data is distributed evenly along the horizontal axis, and all value data is distributed evenly along the vertical axis.

Line charts work well if your category labels are text, and represent evenly spaced values such as months, quarters, or fiscal years.

Line charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Line chart with or without markers     Shows trends over time or ordered categories, especially when there are many data points and the order in which they are presented is important. If there are many categories or the values are approximate, use a line chart without markers.

  • Stacked line chart with or without markers     Shows the trend of the contribution of each value over time or ordered categories. If there are many categories or the values are approximate, use a stacked line chart without markers.

  • 100% stacked line chart displayed with or without markers     Shows the trend of the percentage each value contributes over time or ordered categories. If there are many categories or the values are approximate, use a 100% stacked line chart without markers.

  • 3-D line chart     Shows each row or column of data as a 3-D ribbon. A 3-D line chart has horizontal, vertical, and depth axes that you can change.

chart pie

Data that is arranged in one column or row only on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a pie chart. Pie charts show the size of items in one data series, proportional to the sum of the items. The data points in a pie chart are displayed as a percentage of the whole pie.

Consider using a pie chart when you have only one data series that you want to plot, none of the values that you want to plot are negative, almost none of the values that you want to plot are zero values, you don’t have more than seven categories, and the categories represent parts of the whole pie.

Pie charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Pie chart     Displays the contribution of each value to a total in a 2-D or 3-D format. You can pull out slices of a pie chart manually to emphasize the slices.

  • Pie of pie or bar of pie chart     Displays pie charts with user-defined values that are extracted from the main pie chart and combined into a secondary pie chart or into a stacked bar chart. These chart types are useful when you want to make small slices in the main pie chart easier to distinguish.

  • Doughnut chart     Like a pie chart, a doughnut chart shows the relationship of parts to a whole. However, it can contain more than one data series. Each ring of the doughnut chart represents a data series. Displays data in rings, where each ring represents a data series. If percentages are displayed in data labels, each ring will total 100%.

    chart doughnut

chart bar

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a bar chart.

Use bar charts to show comparisons among individual items.

Bar charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Clustered bar and 3-D Clustered bar chart     Compares values across categories. In a clustered bar chart, the categories are typically organized along the vertical axis, and the values along the horizontal axis. A clustered bar in 3-D chart displays the horizontal rectangles in 3-D format. It does not display the data on three axes.

  • Stacked bar and 3-D Stacked bar chart     Shows the relationship of individual items to the whole. A stacked bar in 3-D chart displays the horizontal rectangles in 3-D format. It does not display the data on three axes.

  • 100% stacked bar chart and 100% stacked bar chart in 3-D      Compares the percentage that each value contributes to a total across categories. A 100% stacked bar in 3-D chart displays the horizontal rectangles in 3-D format. It does not display the data on three axes.

chart scatter

Data that is arranged in columns and rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in an xy (scatter) chart. A scatter chart has two value axes. It shows one set of numeric data along the horizontal axis (x-axis) and another along the vertical axis (y-axis). It combines these values into single data points and displays them in irregular intervals, or clusters.

Scatter charts show the relationships among the numeric values in several data series, or plot two groups of numbers as one series of xy coordinates. Scatter charts are typically used for displaying and comparing numeric values, such as scientific, statistical, and engineering data.

Scatter charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Scatter chart      Compares pairs of values. Use a scatter chart with data markers but without lines if you have many data points and connecting lines would make the data more difficult to read. You can also use this chart type when you do not have to show connectivity of the data points.

  • Scatter chart with smooth lines and scatter chart with smooth lines and markers     Displays a smooth curve that connects the data points. Smooth lines can be displayed with or without markers. Use a smooth line without markers if there are many data points.

  • Scatter chart with straight lines and scatter chart with straight lines and markers     Displays straight connecting lines between data points. Straight lines can be displayed with or without markers.

  • Bubble chart or bubble chart with 3-D effect    A bubble chart is a kind of xy (scatter) chart, where the size of the bubble represents the value of a third variable. Compares sets of three values instead of two. The third value determines the size of the bubble marker. You can choose to display bubbles in 2-D format or with a 3-D effect.

    chart bubble

chart area

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in an area chart. By displaying the sum of the plotted values, an area chart also shows the relationship of parts to a whole.

Area charts emphasize the magnitude of change over time, and can be used to draw attention to the total value across a trend. For example, data that represents profit over time can be plotted in an area chart to emphasize the total profit.

Area charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Area chart     Displays the trend of values over time or other category data. 3-D area charts use three axes (horizontal, vertical, and depth) that you can change. Generally, consider using a line chart instead of a nonstacked area chart because data from one series can be obscured by data from another series.

  • Stacked area chart     Displays the trend of the contribution of each value over time or other category data. A stacked area chart in 3-D is displayed in the same manner but uses a 3-D perspective. A 3-D perspective is not a true 3-D chart because a third value axis (depth axis) is not used.

  • 100% stacked area chart     Displays the trend of the percentage that each value contributes over time or other category data. A 100% stacked area chart in 3-D is displayed in the same manner but uses a 3-D perspective. A 3-D perspective is not a true 3-D chart because a third value axis (depth axis) is not used.

chart stock

Data that is arranged in columns or rows in a specific order on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a stock chart.

As its name implies, a stock chart is most frequently used to show the fluctuation of stock prices. However, this chart may also be used for scientific data. For example, you could use a stock chart to indicate the fluctuation of daily or annual temperatures.

Stock charts have the following chart sub-types:

  • High-Low-Close stock chart     Illustrates stock prices. It requires three series of values in the correct order: high, low, and then close.

  • Open-High-Low-Close stock chart     Requires four series of values in the correct order: open, high, low, and then close.

  • Volume-High-Low-Close stock chart     Requires four series of values in the correct order: volume, high, low, and then close. It measures volume by using two value axes: one for the columns that measure volume, and the other for the stock prices.

  • Volume-Open-High-Low-Close stock chart     Requires five series of values in the correct order: volume, open, high, low, and then close.

chart surface

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a surface chart. As in a topographic map, colors and patterns indicate areas that are in the same range of values.

A surface chart is useful when you want to find optimal combinations between two sets of data.

Surface charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • 3-D surface chart     Shows trends in values across two dimensions in a continuous curve. Color bands in a surface chart do not represent the data series. They represent the difference between the values. This chart shows a 3-D view of the data, which can be imagined as a rubber sheet stretched over a 3-D column chart. It is typically used to show relationships between large amounts of data that may otherwise be difficult to see.

  • Wireframe 3-D surface chart     Shows only the lines. A wireframe 3-D surface chart is not easy to read, but this chart type is useful for faster plotting of large data sets.

  • Contour chart     Surface charts viewed from above, similar to 2-D topographic maps. In a contour chart, color bands represent specific ranges of values. The lines in a contour chart connect interpolated points of equal value.

  • Wireframe contour chart     Surface charts viewed from above. Without color bands on the surface, a wireframe chart shows only the lines. Wireframe contour charts are not easy to read. You may want to use a 3-D surface chart instead.

chart radar

In a radar chart, each category has its own value axis radiating from the center point. Lines connect all the values in the same series.

Use radar charts to compare the aggregate values of several data series.

Radar charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Radar chart     Displays changes in values in relation to a center point.

  • Radar with markers    Displays changes in values in relation to a center point with markers.

  • Filled radar chart     Displays changes in values in relation to a center point, and fills the area covered by a data series with color.

You can use a Map Chart to compare values and show categories across geographical regions. Use it when you have geographical regions in your data, like countries/regions, states, counties or postal codes.

For more information, see Create a map chart.

Funnel charts show values across multiple stages in a process.

Funnel chart showing sales pipeline; stages listed in the first column, values in the second

Typically, the values decrease gradually, allowing the bars to resemble a funnel. For more information, see Create a funnel chart.

The treemap chart provides a hierarchical view of your data and an easy way to compare different levels of categorization. The treemap chart displays categories by color and proximity and can easily show lots of data which would be difficult with other chart types. The treemap chart can be plotted when empty (blank) cells exist within the hierarchal structure and treemap charts are good for comparing proportions within the hierarchy.

Example of a Treemap Chart in Office 2016 for Windows

There are no chart sub-types for treemap charts.

For more information, see Create a treemap chart.

The sunburst chart is ideal for displaying hierarchical data and can be plotted when empty (blank) cells exist within the hierarchal structure . Each level of the hierarchy is represented by one ring or circle with the innermost circle as the top of the hierarchy. A sunburst chart without any hierarchical data (one level of categories), looks similar to a doughnut chart. However, a sunburst chart with multiple levels of categories shows how the outer rings relate to the inner rings. The sunburst chart is most effective at showing how one ring is broken into its contributing pieces.

Picture of a Sunburst Chart in Office 2016 for Windows

There are no chart sub-types for sunburst charts.

For more information, see Create a sunburst chart.

A waterfall chart shows a running total of your financial data as values are added or subtracted. It’s useful for understanding how an initial value is affected by a series of positive and negative values. The columns are color coded so you can quickly tell positive from negative numbers.

Example of a Waterfall chart

There are no chart sub-types for waterfall charts.

For more information, see Create a waterfall chart.

Data plotted in a histogram chart shows the frequencies within a distribution. Each column of the chart is called a bin, which can be changed to further analyze your data.

Sample histogram

Types of histogram charts

  • Histogram    The histogram chart shows the distribution of your data grouped into frequency bins.

    Histogram chart in the Histogram sub-type chart

  • Pareto chart    A pareto is a sorted histogram chart that contains both columns sorted in descending order and a line representing the cumulative total percentage.

    Pareto chart sub-type in the Histogram available charts

More information is available for Histogram and Pareto charts.

A box and whisker chart shows distribution of data into quartiles, highlighting the mean and outliers. The boxes may have lines extending vertically called “whiskers”. These lines indicate variability outside the upper and lower quartiles, and any point outside those lines or whiskers is considered an outlier. Use this chart type when there are multiple data sets which relate to each other in some way.

Sample box and whisker chart

For more information, see Create a box and whisker chart.

chart column

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a column chart. In column charts, categories are typically organized along the horizontal axis and values along the vertical axis.

Column charts are useful to show how data changes over time or to show comparisons among items.

Column charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Clustered column chart     Compares values across categories. A clustered column chart displays values in 2-D vertical rectangles. A clustered column in a 3-D chart displays the data by using a 3-D perspective.

  • Stacked column chart     Shows the relationship of individual items to the whole, comparing the contribution of each value to a total across categories. A stacked column chart displays values in 2-D vertical stacked rectangles. A 3-D stacked column chart displays the data by using a 3-D perspective. A 3-D perspective is not a true 3-D chart because a third value axis (depth axis) is not used.

  • 100% stacked column chart     Compares the percentage that each value contributes to a total across categories. A 100% stacked column chart displays values in 2-D vertical 100% stacked rectangles. A 3-D 100% stacked column chart displays the data by using a 3-D perspective. A 3-D perspective is not a true 3-D chart because a third value axis (depth axis) is not used.

  • 3-D column chart     Uses three axes that you can change (a horizontal axis, a vertical axis, and a depth axis). They compare data points along the horizontal and the depth axes.

  • Cylinder, cone, and pyramid chart     Available in the same clustered, stacked, 100% stacked, and 3-D chart types that are provided for rectangular column charts. They show and compare data in the same manner. The only difference is that these chart types display cylinder, cone, and pyramid shapes instead of rectangles.

chart line

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a line chart. Line charts can display continuous data over time, set against a common scale, and are therefore ideal to show trends in data at equal intervals. In a line chart, category data is distributed evenly along the horizontal axis, and all value data is distributed evenly along the vertical axis.

Line charts work well if your category labels are text, and represent evenly spaced values such as months, quarters, or fiscal years.

Line charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Line chart with or without markers     Shows trends over time or ordered categories, especially when there are many data points and the order in which they are presented is important. If there are many categories or the values are approximate, use a line chart without markers.

  • Stacked line chart with or without markers     Shows the trend of the contribution of each value over time or ordered categories. If there are many categories or the values are approximate, use a stacked line chart without markers.

  • 100% stacked line chart displayed with or without markers     Shows the trend of the percentage each value contributes over time or ordered categories. If there are many categories or the values are approximate, use a 100% stacked line chart without markers.

  • 3-D line chart     Shows each row or column of data as a 3-D ribbon. A 3-D line chart has horizontal, vertical, and depth axes that you can change.

chart pie

Data that is arranged in one column or row only on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a pie chart. Pie charts show the size of items in one data series, proportional to the sum of the items. The data points in a pie chart are displayed as a percentage of the whole pie.

Consider using a pie chart when you have only one data series that you want to plot, none of the values that you want to plot are negative, almost none of the values that you want to plot are zero values, you don’t have more than seven categories, and the categories represent parts of the whole pie.

Pie charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Pie chart     Displays the contribution of each value to a total in a 2-D or 3-D format. You can pull out slices of a pie chart manually to emphasize the slices.

  • Pie of pie or bar of pie chart     Displays pie charts with user-defined values that are extracted from the main pie chart and combined into a secondary pie chart or into a stacked bar chart. These chart types are useful when you want to make small slices in the main pie chart easier to distinguish.

  • Exploded pie chart     Displays the contribution of each value to a total while emphasizing individual values. Exploded pie charts can be displayed in 3-D format. You can change the pie explosion setting for all slices and individual slices. However, you cannot move the slices of an exploded pie manually.

chart bar

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a bar chart.

Use bar charts to show comparisons among individual items.

Bar charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Clustered bar chart     Compares values across categories. In a clustered bar chart, the categories are typically organized along the vertical axis, and the values along the horizontal axis. A clustered bar in 3-D chart displays the horizontal rectangles in 3-D format. It does not display the data on three axes.

  • Stacked bar chart     Shows the relationship of individual items to the whole. A stacked bar in 3-D chart displays the horizontal rectangles in 3-D format. It does not display the data on three axes.

  • 100% stacked bar chart and 100% stacked bar chart in 3-D      Compares the percentage that each value contributes to a total across categories. A 100% stacked bar in 3-D chart displays the horizontal rectangles in 3-D format. It does not display the data on three axes.

  • Horizontal cylinder, cone, and pyramid chart     Available in the same clustered, stacked, and 100% stacked chart types that are provided for rectangular bar charts. They show and compare data the same manner. The only difference is that these chart types display cylinder, cone, and pyramid shapes instead of horizontal rectangles.

chart area

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in an area chart. By displaying the sum of the plotted values, an area chart also shows the relationship of parts to a whole.

Area charts emphasize the magnitude of change over time, and can be used to draw attention to the total value across a trend. For example, data that represents profit over time can be plotted in an area chart to emphasize the total profit.

Area charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Area chart     Displays the trend of values over time or other category data. 3-D area charts use three axes (horizontal, vertical, and depth) that you can change. Generally, consider using a line chart instead of a nonstacked area chart because data from one series can be obscured by data from another series.

  • Stacked area chart     Displays the trend of the contribution of each value over time or other category data. A stacked area chart in 3-D is displayed in the same manner but uses a 3-D perspective. A 3-D perspective is not a true 3-D chart because a third value axis (depth axis) is not used.

  • 100% stacked area chart     Displays the trend of the percentage that each value contributes over time or other category data. A 100% stacked area chart in 3-D is displayed in the same manner but uses a 3-D perspective. A 3-D perspective is not a true 3-D chart because a third value axis (depth axis) is not used.

chart scatter

Data that is arranged in columns and rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in an xy (scatter) chart. A scatter chart has two value axes. It shows one set of numeric data along the horizontal axis (x-axis) and another along the vertical axis (y-axis). It combines these values into single data points and displays them in irregular intervals, or clusters.

Scatter charts show the relationships among the numeric values in several data series, or plot two groups of numbers as one series of xy coordinates. Scatter charts are typically used for displaying and comparing numeric values, such as scientific, statistical, and engineering data.

Scatter charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Scatter chart with markers only     Compares pairs of values. Use a scatter chart with data markers but without lines if you have many data points and connecting lines would make the data more difficult to read. You can also use this chart type when you do not have to show connectivity of the data points.

  • Scatter chart with smooth lines and scatter chart with smooth lines and markers     Displays a smooth curve that connects the data points. Smooth lines can be displayed with or without markers. Use a smooth line without markers if there are many data points.

  • Scatter chart with straight lines and scatter chart with straight lines and markers     Displays straight connecting lines between data points. Straight lines can be displayed with or without markers.

chart bubble

A bubble chart is a kind of xy (scatter) chart, where the size of the bubble represents the value of a third variable.

Bubble charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Bubble chart or bubble chart with 3-D effect     Compares sets of three values instead of two. The third value determines the size of the bubble marker. You can choose to display bubbles in 2-D format or with a 3-D effect.

chart stock

Data that is arranged in columns or rows in a specific order on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a stock chart.

As its name implies, a stock chart is most frequently used to show the fluctuation of stock prices. However, this chart may also be used for scientific data. For example, you could use a stock chart to indicate the fluctuation of daily or annual temperatures.

Stock charts have the following chart sub-types:

  • High-low-close stock chart     Illustrates stock prices. It requires three series of values in the correct order: high, low, and then close.

  • Open-high-low-close stock chart     Requires four series of values in the correct order: open, high, low, and then close.

  • Volume-high-low-close stock chart     Requires four series of values in the correct order: volume, high, low, and then close. It measures volume by using two value axes: one for the columns that measure volume, and the other for the stock prices.

  • Volume-open-high-low-close stock chart     Requires five series of values in the correct order: volume, open, high, low, and then close.

chart surface

Data that is arranged in columns or rows on an Excel sheet can be plotted in a surface chart. As in a topographic map, colors and patterns indicate areas that are in the same range of values.

A surface chart is useful when you want to find optimal combinations between two sets of data.

Surface charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • 3-D surface chart     Shows trends in values across two dimensions in a continuous curve. Color bands in a surface chart do not represent the data series. They represent the difference between the values. This chart shows a 3-D view of the data, which can be imagined as a rubber sheet stretched over a 3-D column chart. It is typically used to show relationships between large amounts of data that may otherwise be difficult to see.

  • Wireframe 3-D surface chart     Shows only the lines. A wireframe 3-D surface chart is not easy to read, but this chart type is useful for faster plotting of large data sets.

  • Contour chart     Surface charts viewed from above, similar to 2-D topographic maps. In a contour chart, color bands represent specific ranges of values. The lines in a contour chart connect interpolated points of equal value.

  • Wireframe contour chart     Surface charts viewed from above. Without color bands on the surface, a wireframe chart shows only the lines. Wireframe contour charts are not easy to read. You may want to use a 3-D surface chart instead.

chart doughnut

Like a pie chart, a doughnut chart shows the relationship of parts to a whole. However, it can contain more than one data series. Each ring of the doughnut chart represents a data series.

Doughnut charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Doughnut chart     Displays data in rings, where each ring represents a data series. If percentages are displayed in data labels, each ring will total 100%.

  • Exploded doughnut chart     Displays the contribution of each value to a total while emphasizing individual values. However, they can contain more than one data series.

chart radar

In a radar chart, each category has its own value axis radiating from the center point. Lines connect all the values in the same series.

Use radar charts to compare the aggregate values of several data series.

Radar charts have the following chart subtypes:

  • Radar chart     Displays changes in values in relation to a center point.

  • Filled radar chart     Displays changes in values in relation to a center point, and fills the area covered by a data series with color.

Change a chart type

If you have already have a chart, but you just want to change its type:

  1. Select the chart, click the Chart Design tab, and click Change Chart Type.

    Chart design tab right half

  2. Select a new chart type in the gallery of available options.

See Also

Create a chart with recommended charts

A chart is a tool you can use in Excel to communicate data graphically. Charts allow your audience to see the meaning behind the numbers, and they make showing comparisons and trends much easier.

Contents

  • 1 What is the chart in MS Excel?
  • 2 What is chart explain?
  • 3 What is chart in Excel with example?
  • 4 What is chart and graph in Excel?
  • 5 What is chart Class 7 excel?
  • 6 How do I make a chart?
  • 7 What is diagram example?
  • 8 What is chart and diagram?
  • 9 Is a table a chart?
  • 10 Which is not a chart?
  • 11 How do I present data in a chart in Excel?
  • 12 What is a radar chart used for?
  • 13 What is a chart Class 6?
  • 14 What is chart title?
  • 15 What column chart explain?
  • 16 How do you use charts?
  • 17 What is flowchart example?
  • 18 Is flowchart a diagram?
  • 19 What is the difference between graph and chart?
  • 20 What’s the difference between a map and a chart?

In Microsoft Excel, a chart is often called a graph. It is a visual representation of data from a worksheet that can bring more understanding to the data than just looking at the numbers.

What is chart explain?

A chart is a graphical representation for data visualization, in which “the data is represented by symbols, such as bars in a bar chart, lines in a line chart, or slices in a pie chart”. A chart can represent tabular numeric data, functions or some kinds of quality structure and provides different info.

What is chart in Excel with example?

The type of chart that you choose depends on the type of data that you want to visualize.

S/N CHART TYPE
1 Pie Chart
2 Bar Chart
3 Column chart
4 Line chart

What is chart and graph in Excel?

Charts and graphs are visual representations of worksheet data. These graphics help you understand the data in a worksheet by displaying patterns and trends that are difficult to see in the data. The best way to learn about the various charts in Excel is to try them out.

What is chart Class 7 excel?

A chart is a graphic representation of data in the worksheet. It increases the readability and understandability of data. A chart can also be used to compare a series of data over different time spans. Any change in the data is appropriately reflected in the charts.

How do I make a chart?

Create a chart

  1. Select the data for which you want to create a chart.
  2. Click INSERT > Recommended Charts.
  3. On the Recommended Charts tab, scroll through the list of charts that Excel recommends for your data, and click any chart to see how your data will look.
  4. When you find the chart you like, click it > OK.

What is diagram example?

The definition of a diagram is a graph, chart, drawing or plan that explains something by showing how the parts relate to each other. An example of diagram is a chart showing how all the departments within an organization are related.

What is chart and diagram?

As nouns the difference between diagram and chart
is that diagram is a plan, drawing, sketch or outline to show how something works, or show the relationships between the parts of a whole while chart is a map.

Is a table a chart?

A table is the representation of data or information in rows and columns while a chart is the graphical representation of data in symbols like bars, lines, and slices. 2. A table can be simple or multi-dimensional. While there are several types of charts, the most common are pie charts bar charts, and line charts.

Which is not a chart?

DATA CHART Is not a type of chart in Ms Excel.

How do I present data in a chart in Excel?

Present your data in a column chart

  1. Enter data in a spreadsheet.
  2. Select the data.
  3. Depending on the Excel version you’re using, select one of the following options: Excel 2016: Click Insert > Insert Column or Bar Chart icon, and select a column chart option of your choice.

What is a radar chart used for?

Radar Charts are used to compare two or more items or groups on various features or characteristics.

What is a chart Class 6?

Answer. A Chart is a graphical representation of data in a worksheet. It helps to provide a better understanding of large quantities of data. Charts make it easier to draw comparisons and see growth and relationship among the values and trends in data.

What is chart title?

The ChartTitle is a content control placed at the top of each chart control. It is used to display any title information regarding the visualized chart.

What column chart explain?

Definition of column chart
: a chart representing comparative periods of fluctuation or the comparative size, length, value, or endurance of a group of things by means of juxtaposed proportional columns.

How do you use charts?

Charts are used in situations where a simple table won’t adequately demonstrate important relationships or patterns between data points. When making your chart, think about the specific information that you want your data to support, or the outcome that you want to achieve .

What is flowchart example?

A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents a workflow or process. A flowchart can also be defined as a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm, a step-by-step approach to solving a task. The flowchart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting the boxes with arrows.

Is flowchart a diagram?

A flowchart is a diagram that depicts a process, system or computer algorithm. They are widely used in multiple fields to document, study, plan, improve and communicate often complex processes in clear, easy-to-understand diagrams.

What is the difference between graph and chart?

Key Differences
Charts represent a large set of information into graphs, diagrams, or in the form of tables, whereas the Graph shows the mathematical relationship between varied sets of data. As such, a Graph is a type of Chart but not all of it. In fact, a Graph is a type of subgroup of Chart.

What’s the difference between a map and a chart?

What is the difference between Maps and Charts? A chart is a working document, whereas a map is a static one. This means that maps can only help in following roads, trails, highways etc that have been mapped but do not inform about the quality of road, rough conditions or any obstructions that a person may encounter.

totn Excel


In Microsoft Excel, a chart is often called a graph. It is a visual representation of data from a worksheet that can bring more understanding to the data than just looking at the numbers.

A chart is a powerful tool that allows you to visually display data in a variety of different chart formats such as Bar, Column, Pie, Line, Area, Doughnut, Scatter, Surface, or Radar charts. With Excel, it is easy to create a chart.

Here are some of the types of charts that you can create in Excel.

Bar Chart

Microsoft Excel

  • How to create a bar chart in Excel 2016 | 2010 | 2007

Column Chart

Microsoft Excel

  • How to create a column chart in Excel 2016 | 2010 | 2007

Pie Chart

Microsoft Excel

  • How to create a pie chart in Excel 2016 | Excel 2007

Line Chart

Microsoft Excel

  • How to create a line chart in Excel 2016 | Excel 2007

Advanced Charting

  • Create a column/line chart with 8 columns and 1 line in Excel 2003
  • Create a chart with two Y-axes and one shared X-axis in Excel 2007

A picture is worth of thousand words; a chart is worth of thousand sets of data. In this tutorial, we are going to learn how we can use graph in Excel to visualize our data.

What is a chart?

A chart is a visual representative of data in both columns and rows. Charts are usually used to analyse trends and patterns in data sets. Let’s say you have been recording the sales figures in Excel for the past three years. Using charts, you can easily tell which year had the most sales and which year had the least. You can also draw charts to compare set targets against actual achievements.

We will use the following data for this tutorial.

Note: we will be using Excel 2013. If you have a lower version, then some of the more advanced features may not be available to you.

Item 2012 2013 2014 2015
Desktop Computers 20 12 13 12
Laptops 34 45 40 39
Monitors 12 10 17 15
Printers 78 13 90 14

Different scenarios require different types of charts. Towards this end, Excel provides a number of chart types that you can work with. The type of chart that you choose depends on the type of data that you want to visualize. To help simplify things for the users, Excel 2013 and above has an option that analyses your data and makes a recommendation of the chart type that you should use.

The following table shows some of the most commonly used Excel charts and when you should consider using them.

S/N CHART TYPE WHEN SHOULD I USE IT? EXAMPLE
1 Pie Chart When you want to quantify items and show them as percentages.

Visualizing data using charts in Excel

2 Bar Chart When you want to compare values across a few categories. The values run horizontally

Visualizing data using charts in Excel

3 Column chart When you want to compare values across a few categories. The values run vertically

Visualizing data using charts in Excel

4 Line chart When you want to visualize trends over a period of time i.e. months, days, years, etc.

Visualizing data using charts in Excel

5 Combo Chart When you want to highlight different types of information

Visualizing data using charts in Excel

The importance of charts

  • Allows you to visualize data graphically
  • It’s easier to analyse trends and patterns using charts in MS Excel
  • Easy to interpret compared to data in cells

Step by step example of creating charts in Excel

In this tutorial, we are going to plot a simple column chart in Excel that will display the sold quantities against the sales year. Below are the steps to create chart in MS Excel:

  • Open Excel
  • Enter the data from the sample data table above
  • Your workbook should now look as follows

Visualizing data using charts in Excel

To get the desired chart you have to follow the following steps

Visualizing data using charts in Excel

  • Select the data you want to represent in graph
  • Click on INSERT tab from the ribbon
  • Click on the Column chart drop down button
  • Select the chart type you want

You should be able to see the following chart

Visualizing data using charts in Excel

Tutorial Exercise

When you select the chart, the ribbon activates the following tab

Visualizing data using charts in Excel

Try to apply the different chart styles, and other options presented in your chart.

Download the above Excel Template

Summary

Charts are a powerful way of graphically visualizing your data. Excel has many types of charts that you can use depending on your needs.

Conditional formatting is also another power formatting feature of Excel that helps us easily see the data that meets a specified condition

After you input your data and select the cell range, you’re ready to choose the chart type. In this example, we’ll create a clustered column chart from the data we used in the previous section.

Step 1: Select Chart Type

Once your data is highlighted in the Workbook, click the Insert tab on the top banner. About halfway across the toolbar is a section with several chart options. Excel provides Recommended Charts based on popularity, but you can click any of the dropdown menus to select a different template.

How to select chart type in Excel

Step 2: Create Your Chart

  1. From the Insert tab, click the column chart icon and select Clustered Column.

How to select Excel chart

  1. Excel will automatically create a clustered chart column from your selected data. The chart will appear in the center of your workbook.
  2. To name your chart, double click the Chart Title text in the chart and type a title. We’ll call this chart “Product Profit 2013 — 2017.”

How to name a chart in Excel charts

We’ll use this chart for the rest of the walkthrough. You can download this same chart to follow along.

Download Sample Column Chart Template

There are two tabs on the toolbar that you will use to make adjustments to your chart: Chart Design and Format. Excel automatically applies design, layout, and format presets to charts and graphs, but you can add customization by exploring the tabs. Next, we’ll walk you through all the available adjustments in Chart Design.

How to make adjustments to your chart in Excel

Step 3: Add Chart Elements

Adding chart elements to your chart or graph will enhance it by clarifying data or providing additional context. You can select a chart element by clicking on the Add Chart Element dropdown menu in the top left-hand corner (beneath the Home tab).

How to add chart elements in Excel

To Display or Hide Axes:

  1. Select Axes. Excel will automatically pull the column and row headers from your selected cell range to display both horizontal and vertical axes on your chart (Under Axes, there is a check mark next to Primary Horizontal and Primary Vertical.)

    How to display or hide axes in Excel charts

  2. Uncheck these options to remove the display axis on your chart. In this example, clicking Primary Horizontal will remove the year labels on the horizontal axis of your chart.

    How to remove display axis in Excel charts

  3. Click More Axis Options… from the Axes dropdown menu to open a window with additional formatting and text options such as adding tick marks, labels, or numbers, or to change text color and size.

    Axis dropdown menu in Excel

     

To Add Axis Titles:

  1. Click Add Chart Element and click Axis Titles from the dropdown menu. Excel will not automatically add axis titles to your chart; therefore, both Primary Horizontal and Primary Vertical will be unchecked.

    Add chart elements in Excel

  2. To create axis titles, click Primary Horizontal or Primary Vertical and a text box will appear on the chart. We clicked both in this example. Type your axis titles. In this example, the we added the titles “Year” (horizontal) and “Profit” (vertical).

    Create axis titles in Excel

To Remove or Move Chart Title:

  • Click Add Chart Element and click Chart Title. You will see four options: None, Above Chart, Centered Overlay, and More Title Options.

    How to remove or move chart title in Excel

  • Click None to remove chart title.
  • Click Above Chart to place the title above the chart. If you create a chart title, Excel will automatically place it above the chart.
  • Click Centered Overlay to place the title within the gridlines of the chart. Be careful with this option: you don’t want the title to cover any of your data or clutter your graph (as in the example below).

Chart title in Excel

To Add Data Labels:

  1. Click Add Chart Element and click Data Labels. There are six options for data labels: None (default), Center, Inside End, Inside Base, Outside End, and More Data Label Title Options.

    How to add data labels in Excel charts

  2. The four placement options will add specific labels to each data point measured in your chart. Click the option you want. This customization can be helpful if you have a small amount of precise data, or if you have a lot of extra space in your chart. For a clustered column chart, however, adding data labels will likely look too cluttered. For example, here is what selecting Center data labels looks like:

    Add specific labels in Excel charts

To Add a Data Table: 

  1. Click Add Chart Element and click Data Table. There are three pre-formatted options along with an extended menu that can be found by clicking More Data Table Options:

    How to add a data table in Excel

Note: If you choose to include a data table, you’ll probably want to make your chart larger to accommodate the table. Simply click the corner of your chart and use drag-and-drop to resize your chart.

To Add Error Bars:

  1. Click Add Chart Element and click Error Bars. In addition to More Error Bars Options, there are four options: None (default), Standard Error, 5% (Percentage), and Standard Deviation. Adding error bars provide a visual representation of the potential error in the shown data, based on different standard equations for isolating error.

    How to add error bars in Excel

  2. For example, when we click Standard Error from the options we get a chart that looks like the image below.

    Standard error in Excel charts

 To Add Gridlines:

  1. Click Add Chart Element and click Gridlines. In addition to More Grid Line Options, there are four options: Primary Major Horizontal, Primary Major Vertical, Primary Minor Horizontal, and Primary Minor Vertical. For a column chart, Excel will add Primary Major Horizontal gridlines by default.

    How to add gridlines in Excel

  2. You can select as many different gridlines as you want by clicking the options. For example, here is what our chart looks like when we click all four gridline options.

To Add a Legend:  

  1. Click Add Chart Element and click Legend. In addition to More Legend Options, there are five options for legend placement: None, Right, Top, Left, and Bottom.

    How to add a legend in Excel

  2. Legend placement will depend on the style and format of your chart. Check the option that looks best on your chart. Here is our chart when we click the Right legend placement.

    Where to add legend in Excel

To Add Lines: Lines are not available for clustered column charts. However, in other chart types where you only compare two variables, you can add lines (e.g. target, average, reference, etc.) to your chart by checking the appropriate option.

To Add a Trendline:

  1. Click Add Chart Element and click Trendline. In addition to More Trendline Options, there are five options: None (default), Linear, Exponential, Linear Forecast, and Moving Average. Check the appropriate option for your data set. In this example, we will click Linear.

    Add a trendline in Excel

  2. Because we are comparing five different products over time, Excel creates a trendline for each individual product. To create a linear trendline for Product A, click Product A and click the blue OK button.

    Add a linear trendline in Excel

  3. The chart will now display a dotted trendline to represent the linear progression of Product A. Note that Excel has also added Linear (Product A) to the legend.

    How to display linear progression in Excel chart

  4. To display the trendline equation on your chart, double click the trendline. A Format Trendline window will open on the right side of your screen. Click the box next to Display equation on chart at the bottom of the window. The equation now appears on your chart.

    How to format a trendline in Excel chart

Note: You can create separate trendlines for as many variables in your chart as you like. For example, here is our chart with trendlines for Product A and Product C. 

How to make multiple trendlines on Excel chart

To Add Up/Down Bars: Up/Down Bars are not available for a column chart, but you can use them in a line chart to show increases and decreases among data points.

Step 4: Adjust Quick Layout

  1. The second dropdown menu on the toolbar is Quick Layout, which allows you to quickly change the layout of elements in your chart (titles, legend, clusters etc.).

    How to change layout of elements in Excel chart

  2. There are 11 quick layout options. Hover your cursor over the different options for an explanation and click the one you want to apply.

    Different layout options for chart in Excel

Step 5: Change Colors

The next dropdown menu in the toolbar is Change Colors. Click the icon and choose the color palette that fits your needs (these needs could be aesthetic, or to match your brand’s colors and style).

Color palette for Excel charts

Step 6: Change Style

For cluster column charts, there are 14 chart styles available. Excel will default to Style 1, but you can select any of the other styles to change the chart appearance. Use the arrow on the right of the image bar to view other options.

Chart styles in Excel

Step 7: Switch Row/Column

  1. Click the Switch Row/Column on the toolbar to flip the axes. Note: It is not always intuitive to flip axes for every chart, for example, if you have more than two variables.

    Flip axis on excel chart

In this example, switching the row and column swaps the product and year (profit remains on the y-axis). The chart is now clustered by product (not year), and the color-coded legend refers to the year (not product). To avoid confusion here, click on the legend and change the titles from Series to Years.

How to flip axis on Excel chart

Step 8: Select Data

  1. Click the Select Data icon on the toolbar to change the range of your data.
  2. A window will open. Type the cell range you want and click the OK button. The chart will automatically update to reflect this new data range.

    Changing data range in Excel chart

Step 9: Change Chart Type

  1. Click the Change Chart Type dropdown menu.

    How to change chart type in Excel

  2. Here you can change your chart type to any of the nine chart categories that Excel offers. Of course, make sure that your data is appropriate for the chart type you choose.

    Different types of charts in Excel

  3. You can also save your chart as a template by clicking Save as Template

  4. A dialogue box will open where you can name your template. Excel will automatically create a folder for your templates for easy organization. Click the blue Save button.

    Create a chart template in Excel

Step 10: Move Chart

  1. Click the Move Chart icon on the far right of the toolbar.
  2. A dialogue box appears where you can choose where to place your chart. You can either create a new sheet with this chart (New sheet) or place this chart as an object in another sheet (Object in). Click the blue OK button.

    How to move an Excel chart

Step 11: Change Formatting

  1. The Format tab allows you to change formatting of all elements and text in the chart, including colors, size, shape, fill, and alignment, and the ability to insert shapes. Click the Format tab and use the shortcuts available to create a chart that reflects your organization’s brand (colors, images, etc.).

    Change chart format in Excel

  2. Click the dropdown menu on the top left side of the toolbar and click the chart element you are editing.

    How to change chart formatting in Excel

Step 12: Delete a Chart 

To delete a chart, simply click on it and click the Delete key on your keyboard.

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