How to Make a Bar Graph in Excel
Open Microsoft Excel., Click Blank workbook (PC) or Excel Workbook (Mac)., Add labels for the graph's X- and Y-axes., Enter data for the graph's X- and Y-axes., Finish entering your data., Select all of your data., Click the Insert tab., Click the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Open Microsoft Excel.
It resembles a white "E" on a green background.
If you want to create a graph from pre-existing data, instead double-click the Excel document that contains the data to open it and proceed to the next section. -
Step 2: Click Blank workbook (PC) or Excel Workbook (Mac).
It's in the top-left side of the template window. , To do so, click the A1 cell (X-axis) and type in a label, then do the same for the B1 cell (Y-axis).
For example, a graph measuring the temperature over a week's worth of days might have "Days" in A1 and "Temperature" in B1. , To do this, you'll type a number or word into the A or B column to apply it to the X- or Y- axis, respectively.
For example, typing "Monday" into the A2 cell and "70" into the B2 field might show that it was 70 degrees on Monday. , Once your data entry is complete, you're ready to use the data to create a bar graph. , To do so, click the A1 cell, hold down ⇧ Shift, and then click the bottom value in the B column.
This will select all of your data.
If your graph uses different column letters, numbers, and so on, simply remember to click the top-left cell in your data group and then click the bottom-right while holding ⇧ Shift. , It's at the top of the Excel window, just right of the Home tab. , This icon is in the "Charts" group below and to the right of the Insert tab; it resembles a series of three vertical bars. , The templates available to you will vary depending on your operating system and whether or not you've purchased Excel, but some popular options include the following: 2-D Column
- Represents your data with simple, vertical bars. 3-D Column
- Presents three-dimensional, vertical bars. 2-D Bar
- Presents a simple graph with horizontal bars instead of vertical ones. 3-D Bar
- Presents three-dimensional, horizontal bars. , Once you decide on a graph format, you can use the "Design" section near the top of the Excel window to select a different template, change the colors used, or change the graph type entirely.
The "Design" window only appears when your graph is selected.
To select your graph, click it.
You can also click the graph's title to select it and then type in a new title.
The title is typically at the top of the graph's window. -
Step 3: Add labels for the graph's X- and Y-axes.
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Step 4: Enter data for the graph's X- and Y-axes.
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Step 5: Finish entering your data.
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Step 6: Select all of your data.
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Step 7: Click the Insert tab.
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Step 8: Click the "Bar chart" icon.
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Step 9: Click a bar graph option.
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Step 10: Customize your graph's appearance.
Detailed Guide
It resembles a white "E" on a green background.
If you want to create a graph from pre-existing data, instead double-click the Excel document that contains the data to open it and proceed to the next section.
It's in the top-left side of the template window. , To do so, click the A1 cell (X-axis) and type in a label, then do the same for the B1 cell (Y-axis).
For example, a graph measuring the temperature over a week's worth of days might have "Days" in A1 and "Temperature" in B1. , To do this, you'll type a number or word into the A or B column to apply it to the X- or Y- axis, respectively.
For example, typing "Monday" into the A2 cell and "70" into the B2 field might show that it was 70 degrees on Monday. , Once your data entry is complete, you're ready to use the data to create a bar graph. , To do so, click the A1 cell, hold down ⇧ Shift, and then click the bottom value in the B column.
This will select all of your data.
If your graph uses different column letters, numbers, and so on, simply remember to click the top-left cell in your data group and then click the bottom-right while holding ⇧ Shift. , It's at the top of the Excel window, just right of the Home tab. , This icon is in the "Charts" group below and to the right of the Insert tab; it resembles a series of three vertical bars. , The templates available to you will vary depending on your operating system and whether or not you've purchased Excel, but some popular options include the following: 2-D Column
- Represents your data with simple, vertical bars. 3-D Column
- Presents three-dimensional, vertical bars. 2-D Bar
- Presents a simple graph with horizontal bars instead of vertical ones. 3-D Bar
- Presents three-dimensional, horizontal bars. , Once you decide on a graph format, you can use the "Design" section near the top of the Excel window to select a different template, change the colors used, or change the graph type entirely.
The "Design" window only appears when your graph is selected.
To select your graph, click it.
You can also click the graph's title to select it and then type in a new title.
The title is typically at the top of the graph's window.
About the Author
Teresa Gray
Creates helpful guides on pet care to inspire and educate readers.
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