Excel Graphs and Charts
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Graphing and Charting
Graphs are an important part of Excel. You can embed a graph in a worksheet next to
your spreadsheet or on a separate chart sheet. In both cases, of course, the graph is linked
to the relevant data in the spreadsheet. If the spreadsheet data changes, the graph is
updated immediately.
Create an Embedded Chart
1. First create a spreadsheet with some data for charting.
2. Select the range of cells you would like to have charted, including the row and
column headings.
3. Click ChartWizard
OR press [F11].
4. Follow the instructions for the Chart Wizard.
Change Chart Types
1. To change the chart type of the entire chart, click the chart. To change the chart
type of a data series, click the data series.
2. Go to Chart!Chart Type.
3. On the Standard Types or Custom Types tab, click the chart type you want.
Updating a Chart
As you add new information to your spreadsheet, the chart does not automatically expand
to include the new columns or rows. If your chart is on the same worksheet as your
spreadsheet, you can easily add the new data to your chart.
1. Simply highlight the new data, including the label.
2. Click and hold the thick black border around the selection and drag this data on to
your chart and drop it. The chart expands to include your new data.
If the chart is on a Chart sheet, you can copy and paste the information to the chart.
1. First, select the additional data in the spreadsheet and copy.
2. Then, select the chart sheet and paste. The chart will update with the new
information.
To erase or get rid of data series you no longer want to be a part of your chart, select the
data series and press [Delete].
Move and Size Chart Items
As you click on the different items on a chart, you’ll see that you select them and resizing
handles (little black dots on the corners) appear. Some items you can resize by simply
dragging the handles wi