How to Change Chart Type in Excel

Excel provides various chart types for users to visualize their data. Sometimes, choosing the right chart type can make a significant difference in how effectively the data is presented. This post will show you the steps to change chart type in Excel. Whether you want to switch from a column chart to a line chart or from a pie chart to a bar chart, this guide will help you get it done quickly and easily.

Introduction

Before we begin, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. A chart, also known as a graph, is a visual representation of data, used to make information easier to digest and to spot trends. Changing the chart type, as we’ll see in this post, is an easy way to experiment with the data representations and see what works best for you.

Step 1: Select the Chart

The first thing you need to do is select the chart that you want to change. Click anywhere on the chart to select it. You should see a box around the chart indicating that it’s selected.

Step 2: Go to the Chart Design Tab

With the chart selected, navigate to the “Chart Design” tab. This tab will only appear when you’ve selected a chart. You’ll see various options here, including a “Change Chart Type” button.

Step 3: Choose a New Chart Type

Click the “Change Chart Type” button to see all the chart types available. Excel offers a wide range of chart types, from bar charts, pie charts, and line charts to waterfall charts, radar charts and many others. Select the chart type that best suits your needs. You can preview each chart type by hovering your cursor over it, which shows you how the data would be represented.

Step 4: Customize as Needed

You may have noticed that after selecting a new chart type, the chart updates to reflect those changes. However, you also have the option to customize the look and feel of the chart even further. You can do this by changing the chart style, changing colors, editing the data series, adjusting the axes and so on.

And that’s it! Changing the chart type is a simple process, and one that you can use to experiment with different visualizations of your data. Try various chart types, customize as needed, and find the perfect chart that best represents your information. And don’t forget to save your work regularly!

Tips for Choosing the Right Chart Type

Here are some tips to help you choose the right chart type for your data:

Consider Your Audience

Who are you presenting the data to? The chart type you use for a presentation to executives may not be the same as the one you use for a scientific paper. Make sure the chart type you pick is appropriate and understandable for your audience.

Highlight Trends

Choose a chart type that best highlights the trends in your data. For example, line charts are great for showing trends over time, while bar charts are often used to compare different items.

Keep it Simple

Avoid charts that are cluttered or difficult to read. A simple chart that communicates the point clearly is always better than a complex one that confuses your audience.

Final Thoughts

Changing the chart type is a simple task that can have a significant impact on how effectively data is presented and understood. With Excel’s wide range of chart types and customization options, users can tailor the data visualizations to their specific needs and preferences. Keep the above tips in mind when choosing a chart type, experiment with various options, and find the perfect chart type that best communicates your data.

Happy charting!

FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions related to changing chart types in Excel:

Can I change the chart type after entering data?

Yes, you definitely can! Excel lets you easily change chart type at any point in the process, so don’t worry about being locked into a certain chart type.

How do I change chart type in Excel 365?

The process is the same for Excel 365 as for other versions of Excel. Select your chart, go to the Chart Design tab, and click “Change Chart Type” to select a new chart type.

Can I customize the colors and styles of the chart?

Absolutely! After choosing a chart type, go to the “Chart Styles” and “Chart Colors” sections in the Chart Design tab to customize the look and feel of your chart.

What do I do if the chart type I want isn’t available?

If the chart type you want isn’t available, it’s possible that your data isn’t appropriate for that type of chart. Try experimenting with different chart types or rethinking how to present your data in order to find the right chart type.

What if I want to add more data to my chart?

If you’ve already created a chart and want to add more data to it, you can do so using the “Select Data” option in the Chart Design tab. Select your chart and click the “Select Data” button to add more data to your chart.