Graphing in Excel Dr. Denise Harlem January 29, 2015

Open an Excel spreadsheet.

Enter your data in any cells, in sequence.

1.Highlight data entered. 2.Select Insert tab. 3.Select Column. 4.Select 2-D Columns.

Basic 2-D Column graph. Edited 2-D Column graph.

1.Click on graph in the white area. 2.Select Layout tab. 3.Select Chart Title 4.Decide where you want your title to appear and select.

Notice that the title overlaps the graph.

1.Click in the data area (notice the handles). 2.Resize from a corner. The data area and title are no longer overlapping.

1.For this graph we do not need the Legend. 2.Select the Legend (notice the handles). 3.Backspace to delete. 4.If you need to keep the Legend for another type of graph, just double click on Series 1 and enter your information.

Format Axis 1.Right click on the axis. 2.Choose Fixed for Axis Options. 3.Enter the numbers that represent how you want your axis to appear. 4.Close

Formatting Background 1.Right click in the white area outside the data range. 2.Select Format Chart Area (bottom).

1.Choose Fill 2.Select the type of Fill you prefer. 3.Choose color, texture, or other options. 4.Close.

Format Data Series (bars) 1.Right click on one bar. Notice handles on all bars. 2.Select Format Data Series.

1.Select Fill 2.Choose between Solid, Gradient, etc. 3.Select your color preference. 4.Close

Adding Data Labels 1.Right click on one of the bars. Notice all the bars have handles on them. 2.Select Add Data Labels.

Format Data Labels 1.Right click on one of the bars. Notice handles on all the bars. 2.Select Format Data Labels. 3.Select Alignment. 4.Choose the Label Position. 5.Close

Formatting Fonts 1.Right click on any Data Label. 2.Select Bold, Color, Font, Size…

Format Plot Area 1.Right click in the remaining white area. 2.Select Format Plot Area.

1.Select Fill. 2.Select Solid, Gradient, etc. 3.Choose your color preference. 4.Close.