How to Create Excel Graphs and Charts [Revised: May 29, 2005] |
How to Create Excel Graphs and Charts [Revised: May 29, 2005] |
The example below will help the student create a line graph that plots poverty rates and the number of people below the poverty line over a 40-year period. This material can be modified to create the other types of graphs required in this class.
Given that students will be using various versions of Excel, these instructions may only be approximate. I used Microsoft Excel 2000 to create this example.
Arrange your data on the Excel Spreadsheet in the following format:
| 1959 | 1960 | 1961 | 1962 | |
| Poverty Rate | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 |
| Number Living Below Poverty Line (in millions) | 39.4 | 39.8 | 39.6 | 38.6 |
[Note: This example creates two lines on one graph. Project one requires one line per graph.]
Highlight the date series including the years and the categories.
Left-click "Insert" at the top of the screen. Then left-click "Chart." This action will take you into the Chart Wizard.
Under the "Standard Types" tab, left-click on "line." On "Chart Sub-Type" left-click on the first chart which allows you to create a chart that displays trends over time or category. Then left-click "Next" at the bottom of the Chart Wizard.
The data series should be in rows. Left-click "Next" at the bottom of the Chart Wizard.
Position the legend. I put the example at the bottom. Click "Next"
The "Chart Location" should be as an Object in Sheet 1, 2, or . . . Left-click "Finish."
The chart is basically finished at this point although the student still has to do some formatting. The following steps will guide the student with more adjustments to the chart.
The student can position the chart any where he or she likes but I prefer to place it just below the data in the Excel spreadsheet. Left-click on the main part of the chart and, while holding down the left mouse button, move the chart to its desired location.
The student can resize their chart by left-clicking on the white part of the chart. Eight tabs appear around the edge of the chart. The student can drag the chart in the direction of any of the tabs. Position the cursor over the tab, hold the left mouse key down, and drag the side to the desired location.
Left-click on one of the values of the Y-Axis. A format box appears.
A. Under the pattern tab, left-click none for major and minor ticks.
B. Under the scale tab, the student will probably need to change the "major unit." Recall the material in the project guidelines that asks the student to take the highest and lowest value and divide by 10. The result is the number that is placed in "major unit." (Note: The student will probably have a number with a decimal point or some other inconvenient number). This value should be rounded to something like 5, 10, 20, 25, 100, etc.)
Left click on one of the values of the X-Axis. A format box appears.
A. Under the pattern tab, click none for major and minor ticks.
B. Under the alignment tab, set the orientation at 90 degrees.
You can change the color of the main part of the chart by right-clicking on the chart area and then left-clicking on "Format Chart Area." You can also change the color and size of the border.
You can change the color of the plot area (the location of the lines) by right-clicking on the plot area and then clicking on "Format Plot Area." You can also change the color and size of the border.
You can change the thickness and color of the data by left-clicking of the data lines.
Right-click on the chart area. Then left-click on "Chart Options." Left-click on the "Titles" tab. Insert your chart title and the titles of the Y and X Axis where appropriate.
Your chart is finished. You can write the required summaries below the chart in the Excel spreadsheet.
This is a rather complicated description. If you find that something is unclear or simply incorrect, please let me know.
Below is an image of the final product that is described in the material found above.
