4 Ways to Create Charts in Excel for Presenting Data More Clearly, Easily, and Practically

Creating charts in Excel is an effective way to visualize data. With charts, you can present information in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. The process is not difficult and can be done through various methods. Charts play a crucial role in presenting data in Excel files. Unfortunately, many people still do not know how to create charts in Excel.

There are many types of charts available in Excel. Each chart has a unique function that can be tailored to your needs. Additionally, Excel also provides extra features to make charts more interactive. Thus, users can choose the type of chart that fits their needs.

So, how do you create a chart in Excel? To find out, just read the following review.

1. Types of Charts in Excel

Types of Charts in Excel (credit: unsplash)

Excel provides various types of charts for data visualization needs. Each chart has specific characteristics and uses. Here are the types of charts you can use:

Excel has a variety of charts designed to meet different visualization needs. Choosing the right chart is very important so that the data you present is easier to understand. Here are some commonly used types of charts:

1. Column Chart: Displays data in vertical bars, suitable for comparing values across categories, such as monthly sales.
2. Bar Chart: Similar to a column chart, but the bars are displayed horizontally, ideal for long category labels.
3. Line Chart: Connects data points with a line to show trends over time, such as stock price fluctuations.
4. Pie Chart: Displays data in the form of slices of a circle to show proportions, such as budget allocation.
5. Area Chart: Similar to a line chart but the area under the line is filled, suitable for showing changes in data volume.
6. Scatter Chart: Displays the relationship between two variables with data points, useful for correlation analysis.
7. Radar Chart: A two-dimensional diagram for comparing multiple variables at once, effective for multivariate data.

2. How to Create a Chart in Excel Using the Insert Menu

How to Create a Chart in Excel Using the Insert Menu (credit: unsplash)

The Insert menu in Excel is one of the easiest ways to create a chart. With this menu, you can choose the type of chart and customize it according to the data you have.

Here are the steps to create a chart in Excel using the insert menu:

1. Prepare Data: Ensure your data is organized in a table with clear column and row labels.
2. Select Data: Highlight the range of data you want to use, including column and row labels.
3. Open the Insert Tab: Click the "Insert" tab on the Excel ribbon to access various chart options.
4. Select Chart Type: Choose the type of chart from the "Charts" group that fits your visualization needs.
5. Customize Chart: Use the "Chart Tools" tab to change elements like color, font, and layout.
6. Add Title and Labels: Provide a clear title and axis labels to make the information easy to understand.
7. Adjust Size and Position: Resize and position the chart to make it visually appealing on the worksheet.

3. How to Create a Chart in Excel with the Sparklines Feature

The Sparklines feature is a practical solution for presenting data trends concisely. These mini charts can be placed directly within a single cell to provide a quick overview.

Here’s how to create a chart in Excel using the Sparklines feature:

1. Select the cell where the mini chart will be placed.
2. Click the "Insert" tab and choose the type of mini chart (Line, Column, or Win/Loss).
3. Specify the range of data you want to visualize in the dialog box that appears.
4. Click "OK" to complete the creation of the mini chart.

4. How to Create a Chart in Excel with a Pivot Chart

How to Create a Chart in Excel with Pivot Chart (credit: unsplash)

A Pivot Chart is a tool that combines the flexibility of a Pivot Table with data visualization. This feature allows you to create dynamic charts based on data filtering and grouping.

Here are the steps to create a chart in Excel using a Pivot Chart:

1. The Pivot Chart offers convenience for those who want to present data dynamically. This chart is very suitable for complex data analysis. Here are the steps:
2. Select the data you want to analyze.
3. Click the "Insert" tab and choose "PivotChart".
4. In the PivotChart Fields panel, drag and drop fields into the Filters, Legend, Axis, or Values areas.
5. Customize the chart as needed using the available options.

5. How to Create a Chart in Excel with Slicer

Slicer is a tool that makes Pivot charts more interactive. With Slicer, you can easily filter data visually. Here’s how:

Better interaction in charts can be achieved by using Slicer. This tool is very useful for directly filtering data. Here’s a guide on how to create a chart in Excel with Slicer:

1. Create a Pivot Chart first.
2. Click inside the Pivot Chart, then open the "PivotChart Tools" tab.
3. Click "Insert Slicer" and select the field you want to use as a filter.
4. Use the Slicer to adjust the data displayed on the chart.

6. How to Save a Chart as a Template

How to Save a Chart as a Template (credit: unsplash)

If you often create charts with the same format, saving a chart as a template can save time. Here are the steps to save a chart as a template in Excel:

1. Saving a chart as a template is an effective way to increase productivity. With this step, you can easily repeat the same chart format. Here’s how:
2. Create and format the chart as desired.
3. Right-click on the chart and select "Save as Template".
4. Name the template and save it in the desired location.
5. To use the template, select new data, click "Insert", then choose "Recommended Charts" and open the "Templates" tab to apply the template.

That’s a review of several ways to create charts in Excel. Try it now, if not now, when else?

(kpl/psp)