Section 4 - Creating a Chart

Excel XP or MAC Excel 2004

In Excel XP or MAC Excel 2004 to create a chart:

1. First, highlight the range of sells to be used as the data for the chart.
2. Click on the Chart Wizard Button on the Standard toolbar.
3. The Chart Wizard Dialog box will appear. Shown below is Step 1 of 4: Chart Type. This step allows you to choose the chart type and subtype. When you have selected the chart best representing your data, click Next.



4. The Wizard will now display the selected range in Step 2. If the select range is correct, click on next. If you need to change the range, do so by clicking on the collapse box and highlighting the range in the worksheet.



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5. The Dialog Box will now show Step 3: Chart Options. Chart Options consists of various tabs depending on your chart type, which will allow you to modify your chart if you choose to do so.

   
   Title- In this tab you can name your chart, if applicable, the X axis and the Y axis.

   Axes (if applicable)- Here you can choose to show the values on the X and Y axes.

   Gridlines- You can choose which lines to show in the background of your chart.

   Legend- A legend is a key to the data represented by a chart. This tab allows you to choose whether or not you wish to show a legend with your chart. If you choose to show a legend you have the option of placing your legend anywhere in your chart.

   Data Labels- Here you can choose to label your data with text instead of a legend key. Depending on what type of chart you have, your labels can range from description to percentage.

   Data Table- This option will include on the chart, the table from which the data for the graph is being pulled.



6. Step 4 of the Chart Wizard allows you to place the chart in the desired location. You can place it in a new sheet by clicking the button next to As new sheet: or place it in the same sheet by clicking the button next to As object in: and then choosing the specific sheet.



Excel 2007

Creating charts in Excel 2007 is different than earlier version of Excel. To create a chart in Excel 2007:

1. First, select the range of cells to be used as the data for the chart.
2. Next, click on the Insert tab on the Ribbon and under the Charts group choose the desired chart type.



Below is an example of selecting a column chart:



By selecting a chart it will automatically develop a chart with the data displayed graphically.



The chart will be selected and the Chart Tools tabs will be displayed. (Design, Layout, and Format) Note: These tabs will only be displayed when a chart is selected.

There is not a chart wizard in Excel 2007. To make changes to the chart layout click on the Layout tab under Chart Tools.



Under layout you can make changes to the labels, axes, and background of the chart.