Using Microsoft Excel, you can represent numbers in a chart. You can choose from a variety of chart types. And, as you change your data, your chart will automatically update. You can use Microsoft Excel's Chart Wizard to take you through the process step-by-step.

Creating a Column Chart

To create the column chart shown above, start by creating the spreadsheet below exactly as shown.

After you have created the spreadsheet, you are ready to create your chart.

1. Highlight cells A3 to D6. You must highlight all the cells containing the data you want in your chart. You should also include the data labels.
2. Choose Insert > Chart from the menu.
3. Click on Column to select the type of chart you want to create.
4. In the Chart Sub-type box, choose the Clustered Column icon to select the chart sub-type.

7. Click on Next.
8. To place the product names on the x-axis, select the Columns radio button.
9. Click on Next.
10. Type Toy Sales in the Chart Title field. Toy Sales will appear as the title of your chart.
11. Type Products in the Category (X) Axis field. Products will appear as your x-axis title.
12. Type Units Sold in the Value (Y) Axis field. Units Sold will appear as your y-axis title.
13. Choose the Data Labels tab.
14. Select Value in the Labels Contain Frame to display the data labels as values.
15. Choose the Data Table tab.
16. Select Show Data Table. The data table will appear below your chart.
17. Click on Next.
18. Choose As Object In Sheet1 to make your chart an embedded object and part of the worksheet.
19. Click on Finish
20. Your chart will appear on the spreadsheet.

Changing the Size and Position of a Chart

When you select a chart, handles appear on the right and left sides, the top and bottom, and the corners of the chart. You can drag the handles on the top and bottom of the chart to increase or decrease the height of the chart. You can drag the handles on the left and right sides of the chart to increase or decrease the width of the chart. You can drag the handles on the corners of the chart to increase or decrease the size of the chart proportionally.

You can change the position of a chart by clicking on the chart and dragging

1. Use the handles to adjust the size of your chart.
2. Click on the chart and drag to position the chart under the data.

Demonstrative Lesson:

Creating Charts - Demonstrative Lesson