Graphing

Graph Creation

To create a graphical representation of a set of data, first highlight the range (continuous or non-continuous) and use the Insert Chart buttons.

Graph Setup

The Chart Type pane is displayed. From this pane, the format and presentation of the chart will be determined. The data selection that you have chosen will be in the Range field. If you did not highlight a range before accessing the pane, you may enter one manually in the field or use the Data Range button.

Graph Types

In the next pane, determine and preview which chart type to use. Not only can you select from Excel 2013 presets, but you can click the All Chart button to see a list of all graph types. Below is a short listing of the graph types.

  • Column Graph
  • Line Graph
  • Pie Graph
  • Bar Graph
  • Area Graph
  • X Y (Scatter) Graph
  • Stock Graph
  • Surface Graph
  • Radar Graph
  • Combo Graph (a combination of two of the above graph layouts)

Once a graph type has been chosen, click Ok.

A chart with clustered columns selected

Graph Labels

If you go to the Chart Layouts pane under Chart Tools – Design, you can choose to edit the graph’s fields. Quick Layout will show you preset layouts that could include a Chart Title, Axis Titles, Legend, etc. The Add Chart Element will allow you to add items to the graph individually.

If you hover over an element to be added, you can select from the default items, or click More (insert element) Options. From there, a pane will open from the right-side of the Excel window, and you can finish editing your final product there.

After the graph is created, it can be resized using the anchors. You may also use the other panes (Chart Styles, Data, Type, Location) and the three floating options (plus “+” sign, paint brush, funnel) on the upper right-hand corner of the selected graph to continue editing the graph.

A sample chart with Fibonacci numbers.