How to Plot in Excel

If you are looking to create a visual representation of your data, plotting in Excel is an easy way to achieve this. Excel offers various chart options that allow you to present your data in a clear, concise, and appealing way. In this blog post, we will share a step-by-step guide on how to plot in Excel, from selecting your data to customizing your chart options.

Select Your Data

The first step in plotting in Excel is to select the data you want to visualize. Highlight the cells of your data set by clicking and dragging over them. Make sure to include the data headers if you want them to be included in your chart.

Choose Your Chart Type

Once you have selected your data, choose the type of chart you want to create. Excel has a variety of chart types including bar graphs, column charts, pie charts, and line graphs. Go to the Ribbon and click the ‘Insert’ tab, then select ‘Charts.’ Choose your preferred chart type from the options provided.

Customize Your Chart Options

Now that you have your data and chart type selected, you can customize your chart to fit your needs. Start with the ‘Chart Elements’ button, which allows you to add or remove chart elements like titles, data labels, legends, and axes. Next, use the ‘Chart Styles’ button to change the overall look of your chart. Finally, use the ‘Chart Filters’ button to adjust which data is shown on the chart.

Finalize Your Chart

After customizing your chart, make sure to finalize it by selecting the chart and adjusting the size to fit your needs. You can also add additional formatting like borders or shading to make the chart stand out. Once you are satisfied with your chart, save it and share it with others to help them better understand your data.

Tips for Great Charts

Choose the Right Chart Type for Your Data

Make sure to choose the best chart type for your data. Column charts are best for comparing multiple data points, while pie charts are great for displaying percentages. Line graphs are ideal for showing trends over time.

Label Your Chart Correctly

Always include clear and concise labels on your chart. This will help viewers understand the data and how it is being presented.

Use Color Wisely

Color can add impact to a chart, but it must be used tastefully. Choose colors that complement each other and avoid bright or neon colors that distract from the data.

Using Excel’s Recommended Charts

Another handy feature available to users who want to plot in Excel is the Recommended Charts feature. This feature analyzes the selected data and suggests the most suitable chart types based on the type of data, allowing users to create charts quickly and efficiently. To use this feature, select the data range, click on `Insert`, then click on `Recommended Chart`.

Data Labeling on Excel Charts

Data labels add more information to the chart by displaying the actual data values for each bar or point. This feature is useful for charts like column charts where values are plotted on the vertical axis. To add data labels, select the chart, click on `Layout` in the Ribbon, and then select `Data Labels`. You can also customize data labels by choosing an individual data point and selecting the desired label position.

Chart Formatting and Style

Excel offers a wide range of chart formatting and style options that allow users to create charts that best represent their data. Users can format charts by selecting the chart and right-clicking to bring up the formatting options. User can make changes to the chart’s background, text, colors, and borders, among others. Additionally, users can save templates that incorporate their desired chart settings and use them for future chart creation.

Chart Tips to Communicate Your Data Effectively

Aside from creating charts, you also need to focus on communicating data effectively to the target audience. Below are some chart tips that can help:

Avoid Chart Clutter

While it is important to label and add informative elements to your chart, it is equally important to avoid cluttering the chart as it may reduce the readability of the data. You should aim to achieve simplicity in your chart design.

Focus on the Most Important Data

Make sure that the data points you present are the most important ones that will help better understand your data. Remove unnecessary data points that do not contribute to the main message of the chart.

Label Axes and Use Accurate Scales

Always label the X and Y axes of the chart and ensure the axis scale is accurate to provide a clear understanding of the data.

Use Color Effectively

Use colors sparingly and efficiently to add impact to your chart. Select colors that complement each other and avoid distracting from the data.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about plotting in Excel:

Why should I use Excel to create charts?

Excel offers a wide range of chart options and customization features that allow users to create clear, concise, and appealing visual representations of their data. Using Excel for chart creation can help you better understand your data and present it to others more effectively.

What is the best chart type for comparing multiple data points?

Column charts are a great option for comparing multiple data points. By grouping your data into categories, you can easily compare each data set and see how they relate to each other.

What is the best chart type for showing trends over time?

Line charts are ideal for showing trends over time. By plotting data points on a graph and connecting them with a line, you can clearly see the changes in the data over time intervals.

How do I add data labels to my chart?

To add data labels to your chart, select the chart, click on `Layout` in the Ribbon, and then select `Data Labels`. You can also customize data labels by choosing an individual data point and selecting the desired label position.

How can I make my chart stand out?

You can make your chart stand out by customizing its design and adding additional formatting like borders or shading. Be sure to choose colors that complement each other and avoid bright or neon colors that distract from the data.