what is a chart

it is a useful tool in excel that is used to display numerical data in a visual form.

chart area

includes all objects and elements in a chart.

category axis

it is the x- axis or horizontal axis.

value axis

it is the y- axis or vertical axis.

data series

a related set of data values

axis titles

Headings given to the X and Y axes.

plot area

window in the chart area that contains the actual chart, value axis, plotted data, and data series.

legend

depicts the colors, patterns, and symbols assigned to a data series. it is usually in the form of a table below the chart.

chart title

it is used to describe the purposes and contents of the chart.

gridlines

horizontal or vertical lines that extend over the plot area of the chart. they make it easier to read the chart.

bar chart

it illustrates the data comparison between individual items. categories are on the vertical axis, while the values are represented on the horizontal axis.

column chart

it is used for displaying data that shows different trends over a period of time.

line chart

it is in the form of lines. it uses connecting dots to display trends in data over a period of time. it is used to represent huge amounts of data.

area chart

it is a type of line chart that offers more visual impact that a regular line chart. it displays the relationship of parts as a whole.

X Y (scatter) chart

It always has two value or x axes. It displays paired numerical data on a 2D axis. The X-axis shows one pair of values, while the Y-axis shows another. These pairs are represented by points on the chart.

pie chart

it displays data as segments of a circle. it is used when there is only one data series and when you want to emphasise a significant element.

doughnut chart

it shows data as segments as a circle, but it can have more than one data series. each series adds a ring to the chart and the chart is represented as data series.

radar chart

it displays data values as points connected by lines to form grid lines. it compares the aggregate values of several data series.

stock chart

it is a type of column chart used to plot data based on stocks and shares or fluctuations in temperature. X axis represents a time series.

bubble chart

data is arranged in columns such that the x values are listed in columns and the z and y values are listed in adjacent columns.

surface chart

data that is arranged in columns or rows on a worksheet can be plotted on a surface chart.

how to create a chart

1. select the range of cells including column headings and row labels to be displayed. 2. click on the insert tab, then in the charts group, select the drop-down arrow of whichever chart you want. 3. then, make suitable changes.

how to add chart title

1. click on the add chart elements in the chart layouts group on the chart design tab. 2. click on the chart title option and select either above chart or centered overlay. 3. then, type a suitable name into the text box.

how to add axis titles

1. click on the add chart elements in the chart layouts group on the chart design tab. 2. select the axis titles option and choose either primary horizontal or primary vertical. 3. add a suitable name into the text box.

how to add legend to top of the chart

select the legend options tab and select the top button that will be displayed in the list.