Graphics are used to represent abstract numbers visually. Using bars, circles and lines, you can compare data, highlight trends, and view facts. In Excel, this is often necessary, as the program often holds huge amounts of data. This was probably one of the reasons that led Microsoft to include different functions to present collections of numbers and data in a visually attractive way in its table calculation program. We show you how to insert charts into Excel quickly and easily..
In Excel you can choose between different charts. The purpose of diagrams is to display selected values in a way that is easy to understand, but not all types of diagrams are suitable for all types of values. While some indications are made using percentages and can therefore be represented particularly well in a pie chart, axis charts are better for time sequences.
Apart from the standard diagrams we have mentioned, Excel also allows you to use graphics with slight modifications with respect to conventional diagrams. Graphics that simulate a three-dimensional effect are often very successful..
Excel also allows you to create PivotCharts . These graphs correspond to pivot tables and can be adapted just like their templates.
To start, you need values that you want to plot on a graph. You must enter this data in a table and label it correctly (this will save time, since Excel keeps the labeling of the table on the graph). Next, select the range of cells that you want to represent in the chart - they don't have to be neighboring areas. Using the? Ctrl? you can select several small areas if you wish..
Then switch to the "Insert" tab. There you can choose a chart template using the icons or let Excel make the decision for you. Click? Recommended Charts? and Excel will show you an overview of suitable charts (depending on the program), including a preview with their values. In the same window you can also consult an overview of all the types of charts available and select the one that suits you best.
Now you can move the graph to the desired location in the table. Using the option? Move graphic? in the tab? Design? From the chart tools, you can place your Excel chart in a new spreadsheet.
The first version created automatically by the program is unlikely to match your idea of the graphic. Excel frees you from much of the work, but surely there are several points that you still need to adapt.
A normal Excel diagram is made up of several elements. In the center appears the graph itself, the representation of the selected values, and next to it you will find more information :
Items can be inserted into the chart in various ways. On the one hand, you can use the button? Add chart element? on the chart tools ribbon (under the? Layout? tab). You can also use the? Plus? that appears right next to the graph. In that menu, you can view items or delete them again .
In addition to adapting the elements, you can also adapt the data later. Once again, the Microsoft program offers you several options. On the one hand, Excel charts are dynamic, which means that if you modify the values of the source table , the bars, lines or circles of the graph will also be modified.
On the other hand, you can also directly modify the selection of the values within the graph. Using the filter (a funnel-shaped icon next to the graph) you can show or hide rows of data and categories. With a click on? Select data ?? you can choose multiple options to select the values. In the pop-up window you can adapt the data range, add rows of values or swap columns and lines.
You may also want to adapt your diagram design aside from functional elements . Very often, users not only create charts for themselves, but also to represent data collected and calculated by others. If, for example, you want to adapt the design to your corporate image, Excel offers you some possibilities.
You can choose between different templates and use the brush icon that appears on the side of the chart or on the ribbon, under the "Chart Design" tab, within the "Design Styles" section.
There are still more options for adapting the graphic layout. In the tab? Format? you can make numerous adjustments. You can access more layout options by right-clicking on one of the elements in the chart and then choosing the appropriate formatting option. A sidebar will open allowing you to tailor even the most specific details . This way you can change the font, colors, borders, shadows and dimensions of all the elements.
Do you want to work with Excel but do not have the application on your device? IONOS allows you to contract Microsoft 365 with all kinds of facilities to install it on your computer or use it in the browser.