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How to Make a Chart or Graph in Excel

Tap a step to see it in order.

  1. Select the data you want to chart

    Drag to select the range of cells you want to visualize as a chart.

  2. Choose a chart type on the "Insert" tab

    In the Charts group on the Insert tab, choose from bar, line, pie, and other chart types.

  3. Customize the chart design

    Use the Chart Design tab to adjust colors, style, and legend position however you like.

  4. Add a title and axis labels

    Use "Add Chart Element" to give the chart a title and label the horizontal and vertical axes, making it easier to read at a glance.

  5. Confirm the chart updates automatically

    When you edit the underlying data, the connected chart updates itself automatically to match.

A chart tells the story faster than numbers alone

A table of raw numbers can make it hard to spot trends or comparisons at a glance. Turning the same data into a chart usually communicates patterns and differences far more intuitively than the numbers alone.

It helps to clean up the table first

A chart is only as clear as the data behind it, so it is worth spending a moment sorting and filtering your table into a clean, well-organized range before turning it into a chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am not sure which chart type to pick.

As a general rule, a line chart works well for change over time, a bar chart for comparing categories, and a pie chart for showing proportions of a whole.

Can I put a chart I made into PowerPoint?

Yes. Copy the chart and paste it into PowerPoint. The paste options let you choose whether to keep it linked to the original data or paste it as a static image.