Charts
Creating charts
A chart turns selected data into a visual. Learn to select the correct range (including labels) and insert a column, bar, line or pie chart. The golden rule: choose the chart type to match the data - pie for parts of a whole (one series), line for trends over time, column/bar for comparing categories. A frequent trap is using a pie chart for multiple series or for data that does not sum to a meaningful whole.
Chart elements
Know the parts: chart title, axis titles, category (x) axis, value (y) axis, legend, data labels, gridlines. You must be able to add, remove, move and edit these. Traps include confusing the legend (identifies series) with data labels (show values on points), and assuming a title is added automatically.
Editing and linking
Charts stay linked to their source data: change a value and the chart updates. You can change the data range, switch rows/columns, change chart type, and move or resize the chart. A common trap is thinking a chart stores a fixed snapshot; it does not.
Formatting charts
Apply colours, styles and formatting to series and elements. Keep charts readable: avoid clutter, label axes, and use a legend when there is more than one series.
Rule of thumb
Match type to purpose: trend = line, comparison = column/bar, proportion = pie (single series). Always include a title and, where useful, axis titles and a legend.
Worked example
Monthly sales for one product across 12 months: select the months and values, insert a line chart to show the trend, add a chart title and axis titles, and keep the legend off if there is only one series.