Excel is a powerful tool used for data analysis and visualization. As such, it is important for people to be familiar with the different features of Excel in order to effectively use it. For example, one of the features of Excel is the ability to create bar graphs. Bar graphs are a great way to visually represent data in an easy to understand format. In this blog post, we will discuss how to make bar graphs in Excel. We will cover the different types of bar graphs available, how to create them, and how to customize them to fit your needs. By the end of this blog post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to make bar graphs in Excel.
How to make a bar graph in Excel
The actions listed below will show you how to create a bar graph in Excel.
1. Open Microsoft Excel
First, launch the Excel program on your computer or other device to create a bar graph. Clicking the Excel icon on your desktop or looking for the program in your applications menu will let you do this. Then, by clicking the button that resembles a blank workbook, create a new spreadsheet. You can also create a bar graph by opening an existing document and using the data from the spreadsheet you’ve already created.
2. Enter your data
Start entering the data you intend to use for a bar graph in a blank spreadsheet. To enter information, click the cell, then start typing. Include details about the categories you plan to include in column A. For instance, the categories you include in column A could be common reasons, such as companionship, if you’re creating a bar graph that shows the reasons people adopt cats.
You can include numerical information corresponding to each category in column B. For instance, the number 10 would appear in column B next to the category “Companionship” if a survey of 20 people asked them why they adopted a cat and discovered that half of them said they did so for companionship. “.
3. Select your data
Select the range of cells you want to include in your bar graph after entering all of your data into the Excel spreadsheet. To do this, click and drag your mouse over the cells containing your recorded data to highlight them. With the chosen rows and columns, this generates a gray, shaded box. For instance, if your data spans from row one in column A to row five in column E, your range would be A1:E5.
4. Click on the “Insert Column Chart” option
Next, select the “Insert” option from the menu in your Excel spreadsheet. Locate the bar graph icon next to the “Recommended Charts” category and select the type of bar graph you want to use. Excel creates a finished graph next to your entered data after you select a bar graph option. You can enlarge or minimize the graph by dragging its corners. Alternatively, you can leave the completed graph next to your entered data or move it to a new spreadsheet page.
5. Update your title
You can double-click the title box at the top of your bar graph to change the title of your chart. When you do this, a menu with options to modify the title’s text size, font style, and color appears. By starting to type in the shaded box with your new title, you can make changes by selecting the appropriate buttons from the menu. For instance, you can select your preferred color by clicking on the “A” icon with the red underline and changing the color of the title text.
6. Add axis labels
By clicking on your bar chart and selecting the green ” ” option, you can create x-axis and y-axis labels. This makes a chart elements box appear. After that, you can choose “Axis Titles” by clicking the box next to it. By double-clicking on the axis boxes and entering your desired labels, you can change the axis labels just like you can change the graph’s title.
When is it helpful to make a bar graph in Excel?
When tracking changes over a predetermined period, a bar graph made in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet may be useful. A bar graph, for instance, can be used by a business to show how its revenue has changed from one fiscal year to the next.
Bar graphs can also be used to show how different categories differ from one another. You can make either vertical or horizontal bars to represent your categories, depending on the type of data you have. For instance, a company might employ a vertical bar graph to assist its sales team in visualizing the product that sells the most.
Benefits of creating Excel bar graphs
Excel bar graphs are useful for displaying trends and categorical differences. Additionally, they can aid viewers in understanding the significance of the information you’ve gathered. Additionally, you and your business can gain from creating an Excel bar graph by:
Tips for making an Excel bar graph
The following tips will assist you in creating an Excel bar graph:
Please be aware that Indeed is not connected to any of the businesses or certifications mentioned in this article.
Making a Simple Bar Graph in Excel
FAQ
How do I make a bar graph in Excel 2020?
Select the bar graph option under the “Charts” section by clicking the “Insert” tab. There are additional graph design options, but we’ll go with the first one for now. The graph will be immediately drawn by Excel and added to the spreadsheet.
How do you make a bar graph in Excel with multiple data?
Select the “Insert” tab at the top of the screen. In the “Charts” section of the ribbon, click the “Bar” button. Instead of selecting “Stacked,” select one of the “Clustered” bar chart options. Your double bar chart will appear on the spreadsheet.
How do you make a 4 bar graph in Excel?
Select the “Insert” tab at the top of the screen. In the “Charts” section of the ribbon, click the “Bar” button. Instead of selecting “Stacked,” select one of the “Clustered” bar chart options. Your double bar chart will appear on the spreadsheet.
