Microsoft Excel spreadsheets work intuitively, forming charts and graphs from selected data. You can create charts in Excel 2010 to improve the quality of your reports.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Collecting Data
Step 1. Open the Excel 2010 program
Step 2. Click the File menu to open an existing spreadsheet or open a new spreadsheet
Step 3. Enter data
To populate a data series, you must set the data. Most people will fill in the name of the object in the first column, namely Column A, then fill in the variables of each object in the following columns.
- For example, if you compare the sales results of certain people, the name of the person will be written in Column A, while the weekly, quarterly, and annual sales results will be filled in the following columns.
- Keep in mind that on most charts or graphs, the information in Column A will be written on the x-axis, or horizontal axis. However, on a bar graph, individual data is automatically written on the y-axis, or vertical axis.
Step 4. Use the formula
Consider calculating the total data in the last column and/or row. This is important if you are using a pie chart that requires percentages.
To enter a formula into Excel, highlight a row or column of data. After that, click the Function (fx) button and select the type of formula you want to use, for example the sum formula
Step 5. Type the title of the spreadsheet/graph on the first line
Use the headings in the second row and column to describe the data.
- The title will be moved to the graphic when you create it.
- You can fill in data and headings anywhere on the spreadsheet. If this is your first time creating a graph, you should make sure the data is not too broad, so that it can be used easily.
Step 6. Save the spreadsheet before continuing
Part 2 of 3: Inserting Graphics
Step 1. Highlight the entered data
Move the cursor from the top left of the header to the bottom right corner of the data.
- If you want a simple graph that describes a data series, you should highlight the first and second column information.
- If you want to create a graph with multiple variables to show friends, then highlight multiple variables.
- Make sure that you highlight the heading section in the Excel 2010 spreadsheet.
Step 2. Select the Insert tab at the top of the page
In Excel 2010, the Insert tab is located between the Home and Page Layout tabs.
Step 3. Click "Charts"
Charts and graphs are provided in this section and are used interchangeably to represent spreadsheet data.
Step 4. Choose a chart or chart type
Each type of chart or graph has a small icon next to it that describes what the chart or graph will look like.
You can return to the chart menu to select another chart as long as the chart is highlighted
Step 5. Move the mouse cursor over the graph
Right-click with the mouse and select "Format Plot Area."
- Scroll to the options in the left column, such as border, fill, 3-D, glow, and shadow.
- Reformat the appearance of the graphic by choosing the color and shadow to your liking.
Part 3 of 3: Choosing a Graphic Type
Step 1. Insert a bar graph, if you are comparing several objects that are related to each other with few variables
The bars of each item can be grouped or stacked depending on how you compare the variables.
- Each item on the spreadsheet is written separately with its own stem. There are no lines connecting the rods.
- If you used the previous examples of weekly, quarterly, and yearly sales results, you could make each bar a different color. You can choose to line up the bars one after the other, or combine them all into one bar.
Step 2. Select a line graph
If you want to depict data over time, a line graph is a great way to show how a data series changes over time, for example over days, weeks, or years.
Each piece of data in the series will be a point in the line graph. Each point will be connected by a line to indicate the change
Step 3. Select a scatter chart
Scatter graphs are similar to line graphs in that data is plotted on the x or y axis. You can choose to leave unconnected data in a marked scatter graph or connect it with a smooth or straight line.
Scatter charts are perfect for depicting many different variables within the same chart, as smooth or straight lines can intersect. You can show trends in the data
Step 4. Select the chart
A surface chart is suitable for comparing 2 data sets, an area chart shows large changes, and a pie chart shows the percentage of data.
