How to Make a Bar Chart in Excel

If you need to create a visual representation of data in Microsoft Excel, bar charts are a great tool to use. They are easy to read, understand, and offer an effective way to communicate large amounts of information quickly. This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to create a bar chart in Excel in just a few simple clicks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Excel user, this guide will help you create a professional-looking bar chart in no time.

Step 1: Enter Your Data

The first step to creating a bar chart in Excel is to enter your data into the worksheet. Make sure that your data is organized in columns or rows, with a title for each column, or row, where necessary. For example, if you want to create a bar chart to show the number of sales per month, you’ll need to enter the month names in one column and the sales numbers in another column.

Step 2: Select Your Data

Once you’ve entered your data, you’ll need to select it. Click and drag to highlight the data you want to include in your chart. Be sure to include any column or row titles you want to include in the chart as well.

Step 3: Choose Your Chart Type

After selecting your data, click on the ‘Insert’ tab and then select ‘Chart’ from the navigation bar. A variety of chart types will appear, including bar charts. Select ‘Bar’ from the list of chart types.

Step 4: Customize Your Chart

Now that you’ve selected your chart type, it’s time to customize it to your liking. You can edit the chart by adding or removing data series, changing the color or style of the bars, and adding titles or labels. Simply click on the chart elements you’d like to modify and choose the options you prefer.

Step 5: Save and Share Your Chart

Once you’ve created your bar chart and customized it, you can save it to your computer or share it with others directly from Excel. Click on the ‘File’ tab and then select ‘Save As’ to save the chart to your computer. If you want to share the chart with others, you can copy and paste it into an email or document or save it as a PDF.

Tips for Creating Professional-Looking Bar Charts in Excel

• Choose a color scheme that’s easy on the eyes and that highlights the important information in your chart.
• Make sure your chart is properly labeled, with clear titles and axis labels. This will help your audience understand the information you’re presenting.
• Consider using data labels to make it easier to compare values on the chart.
• Use the ‘Design’ tab to add or modify chart elements, such as chart titles, axis titles, data labels, and legends.

Bar Chart Best Practices

Bar charts are a versatile tool, but it’s important to remember that they may not be the best choice for every data set. Here are some general best practices to keep in mind when creating bar charts:

• Bar charts are most effective when you are comparing values between different categories.
• Never use a 3D bar chart or any other type of 3D chart. 3D charts skew the data and make it harder to read.
• Make sure your bars are wide enough to display all data labels. Crowded labels can make it difficult to understand the chart.
• Always add a legend to your bar chart so readers can understand what the bars represent.

Alternatives to Bar Charts

While bar charts are a classic choice for visualizing data, there are many other chart types you can use, including:

• Line charts, which visualize trends over time
• Pie charts, which show how different parts relate to a whole
• Area charts, which show changes in data over time and can be used to compare multiple data series.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the color of the bars on my chart?

To change the color of the bars on your chart, click on the bars you want to modify and then select ‘Format Data Series’ from the ‘Design’ tab. You can then select a new color from the options provided or use the ‘Fill’ tab to choose a custom color.

Can I create a bar chart from pivot table data?

Yes, you can create a bar chart from pivot table data in the same way you would create a bar chart from standard worksheet data. Simply select the pivot table data you want to include in the chart and choose ‘Bar’ from the list of chart types in the ‘Insert’ tab.

How do I change the order of the bars on my chart?

To change the order of the bars on your chart, click on the chart and then choose ‘Select Data’ from the ‘Design’ tab. In the ‘Select Data Source’ window, click the ‘Edit’ button to adjust the order of the data series. You can also use the ‘Move Up’ and ‘Move Down’ buttons to change the order of the series in the chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about creating bar charts in Excel:

Can I create a stacked bar chart in Excel?

Yes, you can create a stacked bar chart in Excel. A stacked bar chart shows how each category is divided into subcategories. To create a stacked bar chart, select ‘Stacked Bar’ from the list of chart types when inserting your chart.

How do I change the axis labels on my bar chart?

To change the axis labels on your bar chart, click on the axis labels you want to change, then right-click and select ‘Format Axis’ from the dropdown menu. From there, you can choose your preferred axis label position or add a new label.

Can I add data labels to my bar chart?

Yes, you can add data labels to your bar chart to make it easier to read. To do this, select the chart and then select ‘Add Chart Element’ from the ‘Design’ tab. Select ‘Data Labels,’ and choose the preferred position.

What if I have negative values in my data set?

If you have negative values in your data set, consider using a horizontal bar chart instead of a vertical one to make it easier to compare the values. Alternatively, you can change the scale of the axis to accommodate negative values, so they don’t show as below the chart.

How can I make my bar chart more visually appealing?

To make your bar chart more visually appealing, use color wisely, choose an appropriate font size, and use themes to match your chart to its intended audience or your company branding. Also, consider adding a border to the chart area to make it stand out.