What is line 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

What is Line Graphs / Chart in Excel?

A line chart in Excel is created to display trend graphs from time to time. In simple words, a line graph is used to show changes over time to time. By creating a line chart in Excel, we can represent the most typical data.

In Excel, charts and graphs represent data in graphical format. There are so many types of charts in excelExcel offers a variety of chart types based on your requirements. Column Charts, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Bar Charts, Area Charts, Scatter Charts, Stock Chart, and Radar Charts are the different types of charts.read more. The line chart in Excel is the most popular and used.

Table of contents
  • What is Line Graphs / Chart in Excel?
    • Types of Line Charts / Graphs in Excel
      • #1 – 2D Line Graph in Excel
      • Stacked Line Graph in Excel
      • 100% Stacked Line Graph in Excel
      • Line with Markers in Excel
      • Stacked Line with Markers
      • 100% Stacked Line with Markers
      • #2 – 3D Line Graph in Excel
    • How to Make a Line Graph in Excel?
      • Line Chart in Excel Example #1
      • Line Chart in Excel Example #2
    • Relevance and Uses of Line Graph in Excel
    • Customize Line Chart in Excel
    • Things to Remember
    • Recommended Articles

Types of Line Charts / Graphs in Excel

There are different categories of line charts that we can create in Excel.

  1. 2D Line Charts
  2. 3D Line Charts

These types of Line graphs in Excel are still divided into different graphs.

You can download this Line Chart Excel Template here – Line Chart Excel Template

#1 – 2D Line Graph in Excel

The 2D line graph in Excel is basic. We can take this graph for a single data set. Below is the image for that.

2D- Line graph

These are again divided as follows:

Stacked Line Graph in Excel

This stacked line chart in Excel shows how it will change the data over time.

We can show this in the below diagram.

Line Chart Example 2.2

In the graph, all the 4 data sets are represented using 4 line charts in one graph using two axes.

100% Stacked Line Graph in Excel

This graph is similar to the stacked line graph in Excel. The only difference is that this Y-axis shows % values rather than normal values. Also, this graph contains a top line. It is the 100% line. It will run across the top of the chart.

We can show this in the below figure.

Stacked line chart

Line with Markers in Excel

This type of line graph in Excel will contain pointers at each data point. So, we can use this to represent data for every important point.

Line with Markers

The point marks represent the data points where they are present. When hovering the mouse on the point, the values corresponding to that data point are known.

Stacked Line with Markers

Stacked Line with Markers

100% Stacked Line with Markers

100% Stacked Line with Markers

#2 – 3D Line Graph in Excel

This line graph in excel is shown in 3D format.

3D-line chart

The below line graph is the 3D line graph. All the lines are represented in 3D format.

All these graphs are types of line charts in Excel. The representation is different from chart to chart. As per the requirement, you can create the line chart in Excel.

How to Make a Line Graph in Excel?

Below are examples to create a Line chartThe line chart is a graphical representation of data that contains a series of data points with a line. read more in Excel.

Line Chart in Excel Example #1

We can use the line graph in multiple data sets also. Here is an example of creating a line chart in Excel.

In the above graph, we have multiple datasets to represent that data. Also, we have used a line graph.

Line Chart Example 2

Select all the data and go to the “Insert” tab. Next, select the “Line” graph from “Charts.” It will display the required chart.

Line Chart Example 2.1

Then, the line chart in Excel created looks like as given below:

Line Chart Example 2.2

Line Chart in Excel Example #2

There are two columns in the table: Employee and Salary. Those two columns are represented in a line chart using a basic line chart in Excel. The employee names are taken on X-axis, and salary is taken on Y-axis. From those columns, that data is represented in Pictorial form using a line graph.
Line Chart Example 1

  1. Go to the “Insert” menu -> “Charts” Tab -> Select “Line” charts symbol. We can select the customized line chart as per the requirement.

    Line Chart Example 1-1

  2. Then, the chart may look like as given below.

    Line Chart Example 1-2

It is the basic process of using a line graph in our representation.

To represent a line graph in Excel, we need two necessary components. They are the horizontal axis and vertical axis.

The horizontal axis is called X-axis, and the vertical axis is called Y-axis.

There is one more component called “legend.” It is the line in which the graph is represented.

One more component is “plot area.” It is the area where it will plot the graph. Hence, it is called the plot area.

We can represent the above explanation in the below diagram.

Line Chart Example 1-3

The X-axis and Y-axis are used to represent the scale of the graph. Next, the legend is the blue line in which the graph is represented. It is more useful when the graph contains more than one line to define. Next is the plot area. It is the area where we can plot the graph.

In the line graph, if there are multiple datasets to represent the data, and if the axes are different for all the columns, we can change the scale of the axes and represent the data.

From this line graph, we can easily represent timeline graphs. If the data contains years of data related to time, it can be presented better than other graphs. We can also represent a line graph with points for easy understanding.

For example, sales of a company during a period, salary of an employee over a period, etc.

Relevance and Uses of Line Graph in Excel

We can use the line graph for:

  • Single dataset.

The data having a single data set can be represented in Excel using a line graph over a period. It can be illustrated with an example.

Line Chart Example 1-2

  • Multiple Datasets

We can also represent the line graph for multiple datasets.

Line chart multiple datasets

The different data set is represented using another color legend. In the above example, revenue is represented by a blue line. We can represent customer purchase % by using an orange color line, Sales by grey line, and the last one profit% by using a yellow line.

We can customize the graph after inserting the line graph, such as formatting grid lines, changing the chart title to a user-defined name, and changing the axis’s scales. It can be done by right click on the chart.

Formatting the grid lines: Gridlines can be removed or changed as per our requirement by using an option called formatting grid lines. It can be done by,

Right-click on Chart-> Format Gridlines.

Line chart multiple datasets 1

We can select the types of gridlines as per the requirement or remove the grid lines completely.

The three options on the top right side of the graph are the graph options to customize them.

Line chart options

The “+” symbol will have the checkboxes of what options to select in the graph to exist.

The “paint” symbol is used to select the style of the chart to be used and the color of the line.

The “filter” symbol indicates what we should represent as part of the data on the graph.

Customize Line Chart in Excel

These are some default customizations made to a line chart in Excel.

#1 – Changing the Line Chart Title:

change chart title

We can change the chart title as per the user requirement for better understanding or the same as the table’s name for a better experience. For example, we can show that as below.

Chart Title Directions

We should place the cursor in the “Chart Title” area, and we can write a user-defined name in place of the chart title.

#2 – Changing the Color of Legend

The color of the legend can also be changed, as shown in the below screenshot.

Colour of Legend

#3 – Changing the Scale of the Axis

The scale of the axis can be changed if there is a requirement. For example, If there are more datasets with different scales, we can change the scale of the axis.

A given process can do this.

Right-click on any of the lines. Now, select “Format Data Series.” It will show a window on the right side and select the secondary axisThe secondary axis is the other axis that is used to denote different data sets that cannot be displayed on a single axis. The primary axis, for example, depicts time, whereas the secondary axis displays production.read more. Now, click “OK,” as shown in the below figure.

Format Axis

#4 – Formatting the Gridlines

We can format Gridline in excelGridlines are little lines made of dots to divide cells from each other in a worksheet. The gridlines have slight faint invisibility; you can find it in the page layout tab. This option has a checkbox; for activating the gridlines, you can tick on it and untick if you wish to deactivate gridlines.read more. In addition, they can be changed or removed completely. We can do this as per the requirement.

We can show this in the below figure.

Format Gridlines

After right-clicking on the gridlines, select “Format Gridlines” from the options, and then it will open a dialog box. In that, we can choose the type of gridlines as per choice.

Format Gridlines 1

#5 – Changing the Chart Styles and Color

We can change the chart’s color and style by using the “+” button on the top right corner. For example, we can show this in the below figure.

Chart styles and color

Things to Remember

  • We can format a line graph with points in the graph where there is a data point and can also be formatted as per the user requirement.
  • We can also change the color of the line as per the requirement.
  • While creating a line chart in Excel, the very important point is that we cannot use these line graphs for categorical data.

Recommended Articles

This article is a guide to Line Graphs and Charts in Excel. We discuss creating a line chart/graph in Excel, practical examples, and a downloadable Excel template. You may also learn more about Excel from the following articles: –

  • Examples of 3D Maps in Excel3D map is a new feature provided by Excel in its latest versions of 2016. It introduces map elements in the Excel graph axis in three dimensions. It is an extremely useful tool provided by Excel, like an actual functional mapread more
  • How to Create a 3D Plot in Excel?3D plots is also known as surface plots in excel which is used to represent three dimensional data. To represent a three dimensional plot, three dimensional range of data which can be used from the insert tab in excel.read more
  • Dynamic Charts in Excel
  • Stacked Chart in ExcelIn stacked charts data series are stacked over one another for a particular axes, in stacked column chart the series are stacked vertically while in bar the series are stacked horizontally.read more

A line graph (also called a line chart or run chart) is a simple but powerful tool and is generally used to show changes over time. Line graphs can include a single line for one data set, or multiple lines to compare two or more sets of data. The essential components of a line graph are the same as other charts.

Contents

  • 1 What is a line chart used for?
  • 2 Why line charts are used in Excel?
  • 3 What is line chart example?
  • 4 What is a line chart in computer?
  • 5 What is the advantage of a line graph?
  • 6 What are the features of line chart?
  • 7 What is the difference between line and stacked line in Excel?
  • 8 How do I insert a line in Excel chart?
  • 9 How does a line graph look like?
  • 10 What is line chart in statistics?
  • 11 How do you explain a line graph?
  • 12 What are the lines in a chart called?
  • 13 What is line chart in data visualization?
  • 14 When should you avoid a line graph?
  • 15 What are the five parts of a line graph?
  • 16 How do you present a line graph?
  • 17 Which method is used to create a line chart?
  • 18 What is the difference between an area chart and a line chart?
  • 19 How does Stacked line chart work?
  • 20 Why should you consider using a line chart instead of a non stacked area chart?

What is a line chart used for?

Line graphs are used to track changes over short and long periods of time. When smaller changes exist, line graphs are better to use than bar graphs. Line graphs can also be used to compare changes over the same period of time for more than one group.

Why line charts are used in Excel?

Line charts can display continuous data over time, set against a common scale, and are therefore ideal for showing trends in data at equal intervals or over time. In a line chart, category data is distributed evenly along the horizontal axis, and all value data is distributed evenly along the vertical axis.

What is line chart example?

A line graph, also known as a line chart, is a type of chart used to visualize the value of something over time. For example, a finance department may plot the change in the amount of cash the company has on hand over time. The line graph consists of a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis.

What is a line chart in computer?

Updated: 10/11/2017 by Computer Hope. Alternatively referred to as a line graph, a line chart is a graphic representation of data that is plotted using a series of lines. Line charts display lines going across the chart horizontally, with the values axis being displayed on the left side of the chart.

What is the advantage of a line graph?

Line graphs can give a quick analysis of data. You’re able to quickly tell the range, minimum/maximum, as well as if there are any gaps or clusters. This also means that it can easily observe changes over a certain period of time. When drawing them, you’re able to use exact values from your data.

What are the features of line chart?

Features of a Line Graph

  • Title. The title of a line graph is what tells you what the graph is about.
  • Scale. The scale of the graph explains the number of units used in defining each point on the graph.
  • Points.
  • Labels.
  • Line.
  • Simple Line Graph.
  • Multiple Line Graph.
  • Compound Line Graph.

What is the difference between line and stacked line in Excel?

In a line chart you can choose to display the lines as single lines or stacked lines. With single lines the various data values are displayed with respect to the time in regularly arranged categories.In a stacked line chart, the data values are added together.

How do I insert a line in Excel chart?

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.

How does a line graph look like?

A typical line graph will have continuous data along both the vertical (y-axis) and horizontal (x-axis) dimensions.

What is line chart in statistics?

A line chart is a visual comparison of how two variables—shown on the x- and y-axes—are related or vary with each other.Line charts compare two variables: one is plotted along the x-axis (horizontal) and the other along the y-axis (vertical).

How do you explain a line graph?

A line graph is a graphical display of information that changes continuously over time. Within a line graph, there are various data points connected together by a straight line that reveals a continuous change in the values represented by the data points.

What are the lines in a chart called?

The line graph comprises of two axes known as ‘x’ axis and ‘y’ axis. The horizontal axis is known as the x-axis. The vertical axis is known as the y-axis.

What is line chart in data visualization?

A line chart or line graph displays the evolution of one or several numeric variables. Data points are connected by straight line segments.A line chart is often used to visualize a trend in data over intervals of time – a time series – thus the line is often drawn chronologically.

When should you avoid a line graph?

When NOT to Use a Line Chart

  1. Line charts are a classic tool for visualizing time-varying data (e.g., days, weeks, months, years etc…).
  2. Showing trends in a variable over time for multiple categories (if the variable is measured the same way for all categories)

What are the five parts of a line graph?

The following pages describe the different parts of a line graph.

  • The Title. The title offers a short explanation of what is in your graph.
  • The Legend. The legend tells what each line represents.
  • The Source. The source explains where you found the information that is in your graph.
  • Y-Axis.
  • The Data.
  • X-Axis.

How do you present a line graph?

  1. Step 1: Identify the variables.
  2. Step 2: Determine the variable range.
  3. Step 3: Determine the scale of the graph.
  4. Step 4: Number and label each axis and title the graph.
  5. Step 5: Determine the data points and plot on the graph.
  6. Step 6: Draw the graph.

Which method is used to create a line chart?

Answer :Line charts are usually used in identifying the trends in data. The plot() function in R is used to create the line graph.

What is the difference between an area chart and a line chart?

Line charts are good at showing multiple different series and comparing them against each other.Area charts show a filled area below the quantity line. This fill can obscure other data series that are on the same chart.

How does Stacked line chart work?

A stacked line chart is a line chart in which lines do not intersect, because they are cumulative at each point. In a stacked 100% line chart, the lines reach a total of 100% of the axis range at each point.

Why should you consider using a line chart instead of a non stacked area chart?

Area chart – Area charts are used to represent cumulated totals using numbers or percentages (stacked area charts in this case) over time. Line chart – A line chart is often used to visualize a trend in data over intervals of time – a time series – thus the line is often drawn chronologically.

Содержание

  1. Create pie, bar, and line charts
  2. Want more?
  3. Line Graphs / Charts in Excel
  4. What is Line Graphs / Chart in Excel?
  5. Types of Line Charts / Graphs in Excel
  6. #1 – 2D Line Graph in Excel
  7. Stacked Line Graph in Excel
  8. 100% Stacked Line Graph in Excel
  9. Line with Markers in Excel
  10. Stacked Line with Markers
  11. 100% Stacked Line with Markers
  12. #2 – 3D Line Graph in Excel
  13. How to Make a Line Graph in Excel?
  14. Line Chart in Excel Example #1
  15. Line Chart in Excel Example #2
  16. Relevance and Uses of Line Graph in Excel
  17. Customize Line Chart in Excel
  18. Things to Remember
  19. Recommended Articles
  20. How to create a line graph in Excel
  21. Excel line chart (graph)
  22. When to use a line graph
  23. When not to use a line graph
  24. How to make a line graph in Excel
  25. How to graph multiple lines in Excel
  26. Excel line chart types
  27. How to customize and improve an Excel line chart
  28. How to show and hide lines in the chart
  29. Change data markers in a line graph
  30. Change color and appearance of a line
  31. Smooth angles of the line chart
  32. Fade out the gridlines
  33. Create an individual line graph for each row (sparklines)

Create pie, bar, and line charts

In this video, see how to create pie, bar, and line charts, depending on what type of data you start with.

Want more?

We created a clustered column chart in the previous video.

In this video, we are going to create pie, bar, and line charts.

Each type of chart highlights data differently.

And some charts can’t be used with some types of data.

We’ll go over this shortly.

To create a pie chart, select the cells you want to chart.

Click Quick Analysis and click CHARTS.

Excel displays recommended options based on the data in the cells you select, so the options won’t always be the same.

I’ll show you how to create a chart that isn’t a Quick Analysis option, shortly.

Click the Pie option, and your chart is created.

You can chart only one data series with a pie chart.

In this example, those are the Sales figures in cells B2 through B5.

I am going to move and resize the chart, so it displays without having to scroll, which will also make it easier to customize (something we’ll look at in the next video.)

I click the chart; hold down the left mouse button, and drag to move it.

I scroll down a little, click the bottom right-hand corner of the chart, and drag it up and to the left to make it smaller.

Different data displays better in different types of charts.

If you try to graph too much data in a pie chart it looks like this, not very useful.

Now, I am creating a bar chart using the same data we used to create the pie chart.

Charting the same data different ways can provide you with a different perspective that may help you discover different insights in the data.

We are creating some of the more common chart types, but there are many more options.

To create charts that aren’t Quick Analysis options, select the cells you want to chart, click the INSERT tab.

In the Charts group, we have a lot of options.

Click Recommended Charts to see the charts that will work best with the data you have selected; click All Charts for even more options.

These are all of the different types of charts you can create.

As I mentioned earlier, a pie chart is not a recommended option for the data we selected, because it can only display one data series.

We could make a Pie chart, but it would only show the first data series, the Average Precipitation for New York, and not the second data series, the Average Precipitation for Seattle.

Instead, let’s make a Line with Markers chart.

Click Line, click Line with Marker, point to an option and you get a preview of the chart.

Click OK, and we have created our line chart.

Источник

Line Graphs / Charts in Excel

What is Line Graphs / Chart in Excel?

A line chart in Excel is created to display trend graphs from time to time. In simple words, a line graph is used to show changes over time to time. By creating a line chart in Excel, we can represent the most typical data.

Table of contents

Types of Line Charts / Graphs in Excel

There are different categories of line charts that we can create in Excel.

  1. 2D Line Charts
  2. 3D Line Charts

These types of Line graphs in Excel are still divided into different graphs.

#1 – 2D Line Graph in Excel

The 2D line graph in Excel is basic. We can take this graph for a single data set. Below is the image for that.

These are again divided as follows:

Stacked Line Graph in Excel

This stacked line chart in Excel shows how it will change the data over time.

We can show this in the below diagram.

In the graph, all the 4 data sets are represented using 4 line charts in one graph using two axes.

100% Stacked Line Graph in Excel

This graph is similar to the stacked line graph in Excel. The only difference is that this Y-axis shows % values rather than normal values. Also, this graph contains a top line. It is the 100% line. It will run across the top of the chart.

We can show this in the below figure.

Line with Markers in Excel

This type of line graph in Excel will contain pointers at each data point. So, we can use this to represent data for every important point.

The point marks represent the data points where they are present. When hovering the mouse on the point, the values corresponding to that data point are known.

Stacked Line with Markers

100% Stacked Line with Markers

#2 – 3D Line Graph in Excel

This line graph in excel is shown in 3D format.

The below line graph is the 3D line graph. All the lines are represented in 3D format.

All these graphs are types of line charts in Excel. The representation is different from chart to chart. As per the requirement, you can create the line chart in Excel.

How to Make a Line Graph in Excel?

Line Chart in Excel Example #1

We can use the line graph in multiple data sets also. Here is an example of creating a line chart in Excel.

In the above graph, we have multiple datasets to represent that data. Also, we have used a line graph.

Select all the data and go to the “Insert” tab. Next, select the “Line” graph from “Charts.” It will display the required chart.

Then, the line chart in Excel created looks like as given below:

Line Chart in Excel Example #2

There are two columns in the table: Employee and Salary. Those two columns are represented in a line chart using a basic line chart in Excel. The employee names are taken on X-axis, and salary is taken on Y-axis. From those columns, that data is represented in Pictorial form using a line graph.

    Go to the “Insert” menu -> “Charts” Tab -> Select “Line” charts symbol. We can select the customized line chart as per the requirement.

Then, the chart may look like as given below.

It is the basic process of using a line graph in our representation.

To represent a line graph in Excel, we need two necessary components. They are the horizontal axis and vertical axis.

The horizontal axis is called X-axis, and the vertical axis is called Y-axis.

There is one more component called “legend.” It is the line in which the graph is represented.

One more component is “plot area.” It is the area where it will plot the graph. Hence, it is called the plot area.

We can represent the above explanation in the below diagram.

The X-axis and Y-axis are used to represent the scale of the graph. Next, the legend is the blue line in which the graph is represented. It is more useful when the graph contains more than one line to define. Next is the plot area. It is the area where we can plot the graph.

In the line graph, if there are multiple datasets to represent the data, and if the axes are different for all the columns, we can change the scale of the axes and represent the data.

From this line graph, we can easily represent timeline graphs. If the data contains years of data related to time, it can be presented better than other graphs. We can also represent a line graph with points for easy understanding.

For example, sales of a company during a period, salary of an employee over a period, etc.

Relevance and Uses of Line Graph in Excel

We can use the line graph for:

  • Single dataset.

The data having a single data set can be represented in Excel using a line graph over a period. It can be illustrated with an example.

  • Multiple Datasets

We can also represent the line graph for multiple datasets.

The different data set is represented using another color legend. In the above example, revenue is represented by a blue line. We can represent customer purchase % by using an orange color line, Sales by grey line, and the last one profit% by using a yellow line.

We can customize the graph after inserting the line graph, such as formatting grid lines, changing the chart title to a user-defined name, and changing the axis’s scales. It can be done by right click on the chart.

Formatting the grid lines: Gridlines can be removed or changed as per our requirement by using an option called formatting grid lines. It can be done by,

Right-click on Chart-> Format Gridlines.

We can select the types of gridlines as per the requirement or remove the grid lines completely.

The three options on the top right side of the graph are the graph options to customize them.

The “+” symbol will have the checkboxes of what options to select in the graph to exist.

The “paint” symbol is used to select the style of the chart to be used and the color of the line.

The “filter” symbol indicates what we should represent as part of the data on the graph.

Customize Line Chart in Excel

These are some default customizations made to a line chart in Excel.

#1 – Changing the Line Chart Title:

We can change the chart title as per the user requirement for better understanding or the same as the table’s name for a better experience. For example, we can show that as below.

We should place the cursor in the “Chart Title” area, and we can write a user-defined name in place of the chart title.

#2 – Changing the Color of Legend

The color of the legend can also be changed, as shown in the below screenshot.

#3 – Changing the Scale of the Axis

The scale of the axis can be changed if there is a requirement. For example, If there are more datasets with different scales, we can change the scale of the axis.

A given process can do this.

#4 – Formatting the Gridlines

We can show this in the below figure.

After right-clicking on the gridlines, select “Format Gridlines” from the options, and then it will open a dialog box. In that, we can choose the type of gridlines as per choice.

#5 – Changing the Chart Styles and Color

We can change the chart’s color and style by using the “+” button on the top right corner. For example, we can show this in the below figure.

Things to Remember

  • We can format a line graph with points in the graph where there is a data point and can also be formatted as per the user requirement.
  • We can also change the color of the line as per the requirement.
  • While creating a line chart in Excel, the very important point is that we cannot use these line graphs for categorical data.

Recommended Articles

This article is a guide to Line Graphs and Charts in Excel. We discuss creating a line chart/graph in Excel, practical examples, and a downloadable Excel template. You may also learn more about Excel from the following articles: –

Источник

How to create a line graph in Excel

by Svetlana Cheusheva, updated on March 16, 2023

The tutorial explains the process of making a line graph in Excel step-by-step and shows how to customize and improve it.

The line graph is one of the simplest and easiest-to-make charts in Excel. However, being simple does not mean being worthless. As the great artist Leonardo da Vinci said, «Simplicity is the greatest form of sophistication.» Line graphs are very popular in statistics and science because they show trends clearly and are easy to plot.

So, let’s take a look at how to make a line chart in Excel, when it is especially effective, and how it can help you in understanding complex data sets.

Excel line chart (graph)

A line graph (aka line chart) is a visual that displays a series of data points connected by a straight line. It is commonly used to visually represent quantitative data over a certain time period.

Typically, independent values such as time intervals are plotted on the horizontal x-axis while dependent values such as prices, sales and the like go to the vertical y-axis. Negative values, if any, are plotted below the x-axis.

The line’s falls and rises across the graph reveal trends in your dataset: an upward slope shows an increase in values and a downward slope indicates a decrease.

When to use a line graph

Line charts work well in the following situations:

  1. Good visualization of trends and changes. Of all the variety of Excel charts, a line graph is best suited for showing how different things change over time.
  2. Easy to create and read. If you are looking for a simple and intuitively clear way to visualize large and complex data, a line graph is the right choice.
  3. Show relationships between multiple data sets. A multiple line graph can help you reveal relationships between two or more variables.

When not to use a line graph

There are a few cases in which a line graph is not suitable:

  1. Not suited for large data sets. Line graphs are best to be used for small data sets under 50 values. More values would make your chart more difficult to read.
  2. Best for continuous data. If you have discrete data in separate columns, use a bar graph
  3. Not suited for percentages and proportions. To display data as a percentage of the whole, you’d better use a pie chart or a stacked column.
  4. Not recommended for schedules. While line charts are great to show trends over a certain period, a visual view of projects scheduled over time is better done by a Gantt chart.

How to make a line graph in Excel

To create a line graph in Excel 2016, 2013, 2010 and earlier versions, please follow these steps:

A line graph requires two axes, so your table should contain at least two columns: the time intervals in the leftmost column and the dependent values in the right column(s).

In this example, we are going to do a single line graph, so our sample data set has the following two columns:

Select the data to be included in the chart

In most situations, it is sufficient to select just one cell for Excel to pick the whole table automatically. If you’d like to plot only part of your data, select that part and be sure to include the column headers in the selection.
Insert a line graph

With the source data selected, go to the Insert tab > Charts group, click the Insert Line or Area Chart icon and choose one of the available graph types.

As you hover the mouse pointer over a chart template, Excel will show you a description of that chart as well as its preview. To inset the chosen chart type in your worksheet, simply click its template.

In the screenshot below, we are inserting the 2-D Line graph:

Basically, your Excel line graph is ready, and you can stop at this point… unless you want to do some customizations to make it look more stylish and attractive.

How to graph multiple lines in Excel

To draw a multiple line graph, perform the same steps as for creating a single line graph. However, your table must contain at least 3 columns of data: time intervals in the left column and observations (numeric values) in the right columns. Each data series will be plotted individually.

With the source data highlighted, go to the Insert tab, click the Insert Line or Area Chart icon, and then click 2-D Line or another graph type of your choosing:

A multiple line graph is immediately inserted in your worksheet, and you can now compare the sales trends for different years to one another.

When creating a multiple line chart, try to limit the number of lines to 3-4 because more lines would make your graph look cluttered and hard to read.

Excel line chart types

In Microsoft Excel, the following types of the line graph are available:

Line. The classic 2-D line chart demonstrated above. Depending on the number of columns in your data set, Excel draws a single line chart or multiple line chart.

Stacked Line. It is designed to show how parts of a whole change over time. The lines in this graph are cumulative, meaning that each additional data series is added to the first, so the top line is the total of all the lines below it. Therefore, the lines never cross.

100% Stacked Line. It is similar to a stacked line chart, with the difference that the y-axis shows percentages rather than absolute values. The top line always represents a total of 100% and runs straight across the top of the chart. This type is typically used to visualize a part-to-whole contribution over time.

Line with Markers. The marked version of the line graph with indicators at each data point. The marked versions of Stacked Line and 100% Stacked Line graphs are also available.

3-D Line. A three-dimensional variation of the basic line graph.

How to customize and improve an Excel line chart

The default line chart created by Excel already looks nice, but there is always room for improvement. To give your graph a unique and professional look, it makes sense to begin with the common customizations such as:

  • Adding, changing or formatting the chart title.
  • Moving or hiding the chart legend.
  • Changing the axis scale or choosing another number format for axis values.
  • Showing or hiding the chart gridlines.
  • Changing the chart style and colors.

In general, you can adjust any element of your graph as explained in How to customize a chart in Excel.

Additionally, you can do a few customizations specific to a line graph as explained below.

How to show and hide lines in the chart

While making a graph with multiple lines, you may not want to display all the lines at a time. So, you can use one of the following methods to hide or remove the irrelevant lines:

  1. Hide columns. In your worksheet, right-click a column you don’t want to plot in the graph, and click Hide. Once the column is hidden, the corresponding line will disappear from the graph straight away. As soon as you unhide the column, the line will be right back.
  2. Hide lines in the chart. If you don’t want to mangle the source data, click the Chart Filters button on the right side of the graph, uncheck the data series you want to hide, and click Apply:
  3. Delete a line. To permanently delete a certain line from the graph, right-click it, and select Delete from the context menu.
  4. Dynamic line graph with check boxes. To show and hide lines on the fly, you can insert a check box for each line, and make your graph respond to selecting and clearing the check boxes. The detailed instructions to create such a graph can be found here.

Change data markers in a line graph

When creating a line chart with markers, Excel uses the default Circle marker type, which in my humble opinion is the best choice. If this marker option does not fit well with the design of your graph, you are free to choose another one:

  1. In your graph, double-click on the line. This will select the line and open the Format Data Series pane on the right side of the Excel window.
  2. On the Format Data Series pane, switch to the Fill & Line tab, click Marker, expand Marker Options, select the Built-in radio button, and choose the desired marker type in the Type box.
  3. Optionally, make the markers larger or smaller by using the Size box.

Change color and appearance of a line

If the default line colors do not look quite attractive to you, here’s how you can change them:

  1. Double-click on the line you want to re-color.
  2. On the Format Data Series pane, switch to the Fill & Line tab, click on the Color drop box, and choose a new color for the line.

If the standard color palette is not sufficient for your needs, click More Colors… and then pick any RGB color you want.

On this pane, you can also change the line type, transparency, dash type, arrow type, and more. For example, to use a dashed line in your graph, click the Dash type drop-down box and choose the pattern you want:

Tip. Even more formatting options are available on the Chart Tools tabs (Design and Format) that activate when you select the chart or its element.

Smooth angles of the line chart

By default, the line graph in Excel is drawn with angles, which works fine most of the time. However, if the standard line chart is not beautiful enough for your presentation or printed materials, there is an easy way to smooth the angles of the line. Here’s what you do:

  1. Double-click the line you want to smooth.
  2. On the Format Data Series pane, switch to the Fill & Line tab, and select the Smoothed line check box. Done!

In case of a multiple line chart, perform the above steps for each line individually.

Fade out the gridlines

The standard Excel line graph includes the horizontal gridlines that make it easier to read the values for data points. However, they do not necessarily need to be so prominently displayed. To make the gridlines less obtrusive, all you have to do is change their transparency. Here’s how:

  1. In your chart, double-click on any gridline. The blue dots will appear at the end of each gridline, indicating that all the gridlines are selected (please see the screenshot below).
  2. On the Fill & Line tab of the Format Major Gridlines pane, set the transparency level to 50% — 80%.

That’s it! The gridlines are faded into the background of the chart where they belong:

Create an individual line graph for each row (sparklines)

To visualize trends in a series of data located in rows, you can create a number of very small line charts that reside inside a single cell. This can be done by using the Excel Sparkline feature (please follow the above link for the detailed instructions).

The result will look something similar to this:

That’s how you plot a line graph in Excel. I thank you for reading and hope to see you on our blog next week!

Источник

Line charts are used to display trends over time. Use a line chart if you have text labels, dates or a few numeric labels on the horizontal axis. Use a scatter plot (XY chart) to show scientific XY data.

To create a line chart, execute the following steps.

1. Select the range A1:D7.

Select a Range in Excel

2. On the Insert tab, in the Charts group, click the Line symbol.

Insert Line Chart

3. Click Line with Markers.

Click Line with Markers

Result:

Line Chart in Excel

Note: only if you have numeric labels, empty cell A1 before you create the line chart. By doing this, Excel does not recognize the numbers in column A as a data series and automatically places these numbers on the horizontal (category) axis. After creating the chart, you can enter the text Year into cell A1 if you like.

Let’s customize this line chart.

To change the data range included in the chart, execute the following steps.

4. Select the line chart.

5. On the Chart Design tab, in the Data group, click Select Data.

Select Data

6. Uncheck Dolphins and Whales and click OK.

Select Data Source

Result:

Line Chart with One Data Series

To change the color of the line and the markers, execute the following steps.

7. Right click the line and click Format Data Series.

Format Data Series

The Format Data Series pane appears.

8. Click the paint bucket icon and change the line color.

Change Line Color

9. Click Marker and change the fill color and border color of the markers.

Result:

Customized Line Chart

To add a trendline, execute the following steps.

10. Select the line chart.

11. Click the + button on the right side of the chart, click the arrow next to Trendline and then click More Options.

Add Trendline

The Format Trendline pane appears.

12. Choose a Trend/Regression type. Click Linear.

13. Specify the number of periods to include in the forecast. Type 2 in the Forward box.

Format Trendline

Result:

Line Chart with Text Axis

To change the axis type to Date axis, execute the following steps.

14. Right click the horizontal axis, and then click Format Axis.

Format Axis

The Format Axis pane appears.

15. Click Date axis.

Click Date Axis

Result:

Trendline

Conclusion: the trendline predicts a population of approximately 250 bears in 2024.

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