How to Make a Bar Graph in Excel

Bar Graphs are widely used to display data in Excel as they offer a straightforward visual representation that is easy to comprehend. This post will guide you on how to create a customized Bar Graph in Excel according to your preferences.

How to Make a Bar Graph in Excel Video

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Step-by-Step Guide How to Make a Bar Graph in Excel

Step 1. Select the data you want to use for the Bar Graph.

Step 2. The data should be in a table format, with one column containing categories and another column containing corresponding values.

Step 3. Go to the Insert tab and click on the Bar Graph icon.

Step 4. Excel will display a list of different chart types. Choose the type of Bar Graph that best fits your needs.

Step 5. The Bar Graph will appear on your worksheet.

Move Bar Graph Location in Excel

To move the location of a Bar Graph in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Bar Graph to select it.
2. Click and drag the chart to the desired location on the worksheet.
3. You will see a dotted line around the chart as you drag it. Release the mouse button when the chart is in the desired location.

Alternatively, you can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the chart in small increments.

To do this

1. Click on the chart to select it.
2. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the chart up, down, left or right. Each key press will move the chart by a small increment.
3. Release the keys when the chart is in the desired location.

Adjust Bar Graph Size in Excel

To adjust the size of a Bar Graph in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Bar Graph to select it.
2. Hover the mouse cursor over any of the edges of the chart until you see a double-headed arrow.
3. Click and hold the left mouse button while dragging the edge of the chart to resize it.

Alternatively, you can also adjust the size of the chart using the “Format Chart Area” pane on the right side of the Excel window.

1. To open the pane, right-click on the chart and select “Format Chart Area” or click on the “Format” tab on the ribbon and select “Format Chart Area“.
2. In the “Format Chart Area” pane, you can adjust the height and width of the chart by entering specific values in the “Height” and “Width” boxes or by using the arrows next to the boxes to increase or decrease the size.
3. Click “Close” when you are satisfied with the new size of the Bar Graph.

Keep in mind that resizing the chart can affect its readability, so make sure to find a size that is appropriate for your data and purpose.

Change Bar Graph Title in Excel

Here are the steps to change the title of a Bar Graph in Excel:

1. Click on the Bar Graph to select it.
2. Click on the Chart Title once to select it.
3. You will notice that the Chart Title has a box around it and a small handle on the right side.
4. Click on the handle and drag the title to the location you want it to be.
5. Double-click on the Chart Title to edit the text.
6. You can now type in the new title for your Bar Graph.
7. Press Enter to save the changes.

Alternatively, you can also change the title of the chart from the Chart Elements dropdown in the Chart Design tab of the ribbon:

1. Click on the Bar Graph to select it.
2. Now, Click on the Chart Design tab in the ribbon.
3. Click on the Chart Elements dropdown.
4. Check the box next to Chart Title to add a title to your chart.
5. Click on the newly added Chart Title to select it.
6. Double-click on the Chart Title to edit the text.
7. Type in the new title for your Bar Graph.
8. Press Enter to save the changes.

Choose Different Bar Graph Color

To pick a different color for a Bar Graph in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Select the Bar Graph by clicking on it.
2. Go to the “Chart Tools” section in the Excel Ribbon.
3. Click on the “Format” tab.
4. In the “Current Selection” group, click on the “Chart Elements” dropdown menu and select “Data Labels.”
5. Click on the “Data Labels” dropdown menu and select “More Options.”
6. In the “Format Data Labels” dialog box, go to the “Label Options” section.
7. In the “Label Colors” dropdown menu, select “Label fill and border colors.”
8. Choose the desired color from the color palette or select “More Colors” to choose a custom color.
9. Click “OK” to apply the new color to the data labels and the Bar Graph.

Note: You can also change the color of the chart itself by selecting the chart and going to the “Format” tab in the Chart Tools section of the Excel Ribbon. From there, you can use the “Shape Fill” and “Shape Outline” options to change the color of the chart background and border.

Change Bar Graph Style

To change the Bar Graph Style in Excel, follow these steps:

• Select the Bar Graph by clicking on it.
• Click on the Chart Design tab in the Excel Ribbon.
• In the Chart Styles group, you will see a variety of styles to choose from.
• Hover over the different styles to preview what your chart will look like.
• Click on a style to apply it to your chart.
• If you don’t see a style that you like, click on the More button (represented by three dots) to see additional styles.
• You can also customize the style further by clicking on the Chart Elements and Chart Styles buttons in the Chart Design tab to add or remove chart elements, change colors, and more.
• Once you are satisfied with your Bar Graph, save your work and exit.

That’s it!

By following these steps, you can easily change the Bar Graph Style in Excel to create a chart that fits your needs.

Bar Graph Are Dynamic

Excel Bar Graphs possess dynamic qualities, which enable them to update automatically when modifications are made to the underlying worksheet data. This is achievable because the chart is connected to the data source, and any changes made to the data are mirrored in the chart.

For instance, if you alter the values in the source data, add or remove a data point, or update the chart title or labels, the Bar Graph will automatically update to depict these changes. This attribute is beneficial as it saves time and energy since you won’t have to create a new chart each time there is a modification to the underlying data.

Moreover, if you have multiple Bar Graphs based on the same data range, any updates made to the source data will be reflected in all the linked charts, ensuring consistency throughout your reports and presentations.

However, it’s essential to note that some changes made to the chart itself, such as the formatting or layout, may not be updated automatically when the source data changes. In such cases, you may need to manually update the chart to reflect the changes in the data.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Make sure your data is organized into a table with one column for categories and another column for corresponding values.
• Choose the right type of pie chart that best fits your needs.
• Customize your pie chart by adjusting its location, size, color, title, and style.
• Remember that pie charts are dynamic, and they will update automatically when you change the data in your table.

Excel is excellent at displaying data and if you want to learn more about Excel my site is here to help you.