SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 8
Download to read offline
Module No. -5
Components of an Excel Chart:
An Excel-chart comprises of many components as shown in following figure.
Chart Area
Data Point/Marker
Sales Performance Chart 300

Data Label

Grid Lines

Sales Value in Lacks

300

Plot Area
Y Axis Title
Y Axis
Y Axis Values

250
200
150

150

Chart Title
150

Tek
Sun

100

100

Legend

200

50

50
0

X Axis

Jan

Feb

Mar

Month

X Axis Title

The figure shows that an Excel-chart comprises of two areas i.e. Chart area and the
Plot area.
Chart area

:

Chart area is the entire area that is reserved for accommodating the
chart and other components such as legends, titles etc.

Plot area

:

Plot area is a part of chart area, which contains the chart.

Y axis

:

It is the vertical line whose length and segments represent different
values. The y-axis is used to show the variation of different
identities.

X axis

:

A horizontal line on which you show the variation of another
component of the chart. It's length and segments represent different
intervals of the values.

Y axis title

:

Y- axis title identifies the values that have been shown on Y- axis.

X axis title

:

X- axis conveys the full details of the X-axis values.

Grid lines

:

Grid lines are the lines that can be thought of as an extension of
tick marks. They help in reading the values of the data points.
They are scaled according to the values of the axes.
Data Series

:

Data series is a collection of related values that are plotted on a
chart. For example, following are two data series :
A

1
2
3

Sales
Expenditure

B
Jan
100
150

C
Feb
50
1000

D
Mar
150
200

Data Point

:

It represents one value of the data series.

Data label

:

Data label is some piece of text, which is written near data point to
highlight some aspect of it.

Chart title

:

Chart title is the text written in chart area, which identifies the
chart.

Legends

:

Legends are some sort of labels that identify different series that
have been plotted in the chart. Generally, these labels are attached
to a symbol or color or pattern that is associated with the series of
the chart. It is used to distinguish one data series from another.

Creating charts in Excel:
Excel chart is a graphical representation of Excel worksheet data. To represent the
data in the form of charts, first prepare the worksheet and then select the portion of the
worksheet that is to be represented in the form of chart. Select one of the following methods
for plotting the chart.
(a)

Using Chart wizard

(b)

Using Bar menu

(c)

Using Chart bar

What is Wizard?
Wizard is a series of predefined sequence of steps, which are specially designed to
accomplish a task. Each step of Wizard provides you with necessary help, guidelines and lot
of options to choose from. Wizard displays a dialog box. Each dialog box has a Forward,
Backward buttons to move to the next or previous step respectively. It is a time consuming
process and hence, experts prefer to make charts independently using other methods.
A Sample Worksheet:
Following is the sample worksheet, which shows Sales, Expenditure, Tax and Profit
figures of three companies viz. Tek, Sun and Net.
2
A
1

B

C

D

E

Profit & Loss Comparison Sheet

2

Tek

Sun

Net

3

Sales

5000

12000

25000

4

Expend

4000

5000

7000

5

Tax

2000

3000

4000

6

Profit

-1000

4000

14000

7

For making a chart by using wizard, following steps are to be performed:
(a)

Select the range A2:D6 by dragging the mouse over it.

(b)

Select the Chart Wizard button from Standard toolbar, following dialog box will be
displayed :

(c)

This dialog box displays icons for all types of charts that can be plotted. Any chart
can be selected by clicking the mouse on the corresponding icon. Since we want to

plot a column chart, hence we will select Column option from Chart type list box.
(d)

After selecting the chart type, select Next button, which will display the following
dialog box.
3
(e)

The dialog box as illustrated in figure shows two radio buttons, viz. "Rows" and
"Column". If you select Rows option it would mean that the rows of the selected
range have to be treated as data series. On the other hand if you select Columns
option then this would mean that the columns of the worksheet would act as data
series. Click on appropriate radio button according to your requirements. After
supplying these details select Next button and it will display the following dialog box.

(f)

There are six tab buttons in the above shown dialog box. Each tab button is capable of
performing an action. For example, using Titles tab button, you can add a title to your
chart. While if you select Gridlines tab, you can have the gridlines displayed in your

4
chart.
A detailed description of all these tab buttons is given below:
Title:
Using this tab button, you can add a title to you chart. When you select this button,
Excel will display a dialog box.
(a)

Enter the title of your chart in "Chart title" text box. For example, enter the
title "Profit & Loss Chart".

(b)

X-axis title can be entered in the "Category (X) axis" text box. Say we key-in
"Company".

(c)

In the "Value (Y) axis" text box enter the title for Y-axis. Say we key in "Rs".

Axes:
This tab button is used to show/ hide the title or numbers written on to X-axis and Yaxis. On selecting this tab, Excel displays the following dialog box.

(a)

If you desire not to have value on X-axis, uncheck "Category (X) axis" check
box. If the axes were absent then clicking on to the check box again would add
the axis.

(b)

Similarly if you do not want value on Y-axis, uncheck the "Value (Y) axis"
check box, while if you click on the check box again, it would add the values.

Gridlines:
5
This option provides the facility to draw the gridlines on the chart. On selecting this
option, Excel displays the following dialog box.

(a)

Draw the grid lines on X-axis check the corresponding check box otherwise
keep it unchecked.

(b)

If you want gridlines on Y-axis check the corresponding check box, otherwise
keep it unchecked.

Legend:
This tab identifies the pattern or color assigned to the data series or categories in a
chart. For example, in our example the blue color bar shows the data relating to "Sales".
While brown color bar shows the data related to the expenditure etc.
You also have the option for placing the legend. You can place the legend at the
bottom, top, left, right etc according to your, own requirements. On selecting this tab Excel
shows the following dialog box.

6
(a)

if you want to display the legends on the charts check the "Show legend"
check box.

(b)

Select the appropriate place where you want the legend to be placed, from the
"Placement radio button list.

Data Label:
Data labels are the labels that provide additional information about the data marker.
When you select this tab then Excel displays following dialog box.

If you do not want data label, click on the "None" option. If you want to display the
values along with the column charts, select "Show value" option. While if you wish to display
the corresponding labels along with the chart, selects "Show label" radio button. To display
the legend along with the label next to it, click on the "Legend key next to label" option.

Assignment No. 15

Q.1.

State any three types of chart that can be prepared with the help of chart wizard?

Q.2.

What is the purpose of drawing the gridlines in a chart?

Q.3.

What is the significance of legend in a chart?

Q.4.

Write short notes on the following?
a.

Legend
7
b.
Q.5.

Data label

Write the components of an Excel Chart?

8

More Related Content

What's hot

Functions and formulas of ms excel
Functions and formulas of ms excelFunctions and formulas of ms excel
Functions and formulas of ms excelmadhuparna bhowmik
 
Introduction to Microsoft Excel for beginners
Introduction to Microsoft Excel for beginnersIntroduction to Microsoft Excel for beginners
Introduction to Microsoft Excel for beginnersBlogger Mumma
 
A Presentation on Spreadsheet
A Presentation on SpreadsheetA Presentation on Spreadsheet
A Presentation on SpreadsheetEjiro Ndifereke
 
Ms excel ppt presentation
Ms excel ppt presentationMs excel ppt presentation
Ms excel ppt presentationvethics
 
3. lookup functions in excel
3. lookup functions in excel3. lookup functions in excel
3. lookup functions in excelDr. Prashant Vats
 
Data Analysis & Visualization using MS. Excel
Data Analysis & Visualization using MS. ExcelData Analysis & Visualization using MS. Excel
Data Analysis & Visualization using MS. ExcelFrehiwot Mulugeta
 
ms excel presentation...
ms excel presentation...ms excel presentation...
ms excel presentation...alok1994
 
Types of charts in Excel and How to use them
Types of charts in Excel and How to use themTypes of charts in Excel and How to use them
Types of charts in Excel and How to use themVijay Perepa
 
Ms excel basic about Data, graph and pivot table
Ms excel basic about Data, graph and pivot table Ms excel basic about Data, graph and pivot table
Ms excel basic about Data, graph and pivot table Alomgir Hossain
 
Basic formatting operations in ms word
Basic formatting operations in ms wordBasic formatting operations in ms word
Basic formatting operations in ms wordDr. Sunil Kumar
 
03 Excel formulas and functions
03 Excel formulas and functions03 Excel formulas and functions
03 Excel formulas and functionsBuffalo Seminary
 
Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)AakankshaR
 

What's hot (20)

Functions and formulas of ms excel
Functions and formulas of ms excelFunctions and formulas of ms excel
Functions and formulas of ms excel
 
Introduction to Microsoft Excel for beginners
Introduction to Microsoft Excel for beginnersIntroduction to Microsoft Excel for beginners
Introduction to Microsoft Excel for beginners
 
MS Word Introduction and Tools.
MS Word Introduction and Tools.MS Word Introduction and Tools.
MS Word Introduction and Tools.
 
A Presentation on Spreadsheet
A Presentation on SpreadsheetA Presentation on Spreadsheet
A Presentation on Spreadsheet
 
Microsoft excel
Microsoft excelMicrosoft excel
Microsoft excel
 
Ms excel ppt presentation
Ms excel ppt presentationMs excel ppt presentation
Ms excel ppt presentation
 
3. lookup functions in excel
3. lookup functions in excel3. lookup functions in excel
3. lookup functions in excel
 
Data Analysis & Visualization using MS. Excel
Data Analysis & Visualization using MS. ExcelData Analysis & Visualization using MS. Excel
Data Analysis & Visualization using MS. Excel
 
ms excel presentation...
ms excel presentation...ms excel presentation...
ms excel presentation...
 
Types of charts in Excel and How to use them
Types of charts in Excel and How to use themTypes of charts in Excel and How to use them
Types of charts in Excel and How to use them
 
Ms word
Ms wordMs word
Ms word
 
Charts in MS Excel
Charts in MS ExcelCharts in MS Excel
Charts in MS Excel
 
Ms excel basic about Data, graph and pivot table
Ms excel basic about Data, graph and pivot table Ms excel basic about Data, graph and pivot table
Ms excel basic about Data, graph and pivot table
 
Formatting in MS Excel
Formatting in MS ExcelFormatting in MS Excel
Formatting in MS Excel
 
Ms excel
Ms excelMs excel
Ms excel
 
Basic formatting operations in ms word
Basic formatting operations in ms wordBasic formatting operations in ms word
Basic formatting operations in ms word
 
Microsoft Excel Training
Microsoft Excel TrainingMicrosoft Excel Training
Microsoft Excel Training
 
MS Excel 2nd
MS Excel 2ndMS Excel 2nd
MS Excel 2nd
 
03 Excel formulas and functions
03 Excel formulas and functions03 Excel formulas and functions
03 Excel formulas and functions
 
Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
 

Viewers also liked

Chart Components
Chart ComponentsChart Components
Chart Componentswmassie
 
Module 6 (2) type of excel chart
Module 6 (2) type of excel chartModule 6 (2) type of excel chart
Module 6 (2) type of excel chartDr. Shalini Pandey
 
Components of the word window
Components of the word windowComponents of the word window
Components of the word windowsusoav
 
WQD2011 - KAIZEN - SRF Oversear Ltd - To reduce the process scrap from 800kg ...
WQD2011 - KAIZEN - SRF Oversear Ltd - To reduce the process scrap from 800kg ...WQD2011 - KAIZEN - SRF Oversear Ltd - To reduce the process scrap from 800kg ...
WQD2011 - KAIZEN - SRF Oversear Ltd - To reduce the process scrap from 800kg ...Dubai Quality Group
 
MS Excel: The Four Types of Operator
MS Excel: The Four Types of OperatorMS Excel: The Four Types of Operator
MS Excel: The Four Types of OperatorJesus Obenita Jr.
 
Refresh Teesside background slides
Refresh Teesside background slidesRefresh Teesside background slides
Refresh Teesside background slidesJames Mills
 
categories of computer software
categories of computer softwarecategories of computer software
categories of computer softwareManidhar Chowdary
 
1 01 Notes Internet Search Tools T
1 01 Notes Internet Search Tools T1 01 Notes Internet Search Tools T
1 01 Notes Internet Search Tools Twmassie
 
INPUT,OUTPUT AND STORAGE DEVICES
INPUT,OUTPUT AND STORAGE DEVICESINPUT,OUTPUT AND STORAGE DEVICES
INPUT,OUTPUT AND STORAGE DEVICESAbhinav Kp
 
Chap1 Internet Fundamental
Chap1 Internet FundamentalChap1 Internet Fundamental
Chap1 Internet Fundamentalnizamhusen
 
Delta Management excercise
Delta Management excerciseDelta Management excercise
Delta Management excerciseMarcelo Honores
 
Manage Project Agreements and Fundings in Oracle EBS Projects via MS-Excel us...
Manage Project Agreements and Fundings in Oracle EBS Projects via MS-Excel us...Manage Project Agreements and Fundings in Oracle EBS Projects via MS-Excel us...
Manage Project Agreements and Fundings in Oracle EBS Projects via MS-Excel us...Project Partners LLC
 

Viewers also liked (20)

Chart Components
Chart ComponentsChart Components
Chart Components
 
Ipos cycle
Ipos cycle Ipos cycle
Ipos cycle
 
Module 6 (2) type of excel chart
Module 6 (2) type of excel chartModule 6 (2) type of excel chart
Module 6 (2) type of excel chart
 
Components of the word window
Components of the word windowComponents of the word window
Components of the word window
 
Microsoft word
Microsoft wordMicrosoft word
Microsoft word
 
WQD2011 - KAIZEN - SRF Oversear Ltd - To reduce the process scrap from 800kg ...
WQD2011 - KAIZEN - SRF Oversear Ltd - To reduce the process scrap from 800kg ...WQD2011 - KAIZEN - SRF Oversear Ltd - To reduce the process scrap from 800kg ...
WQD2011 - KAIZEN - SRF Oversear Ltd - To reduce the process scrap from 800kg ...
 
MS Excel: The Four Types of Operator
MS Excel: The Four Types of OperatorMS Excel: The Four Types of Operator
MS Excel: The Four Types of Operator
 
Refresh Teesside background slides
Refresh Teesside background slidesRefresh Teesside background slides
Refresh Teesside background slides
 
Functions and Charts in Microsoft Excel
Functions and Charts in Microsoft ExcelFunctions and Charts in Microsoft Excel
Functions and Charts in Microsoft Excel
 
categories of computer software
categories of computer softwarecategories of computer software
categories of computer software
 
MS Word Window Elements
MS Word Window ElementsMS Word Window Elements
MS Word Window Elements
 
1 01 Notes Internet Search Tools T
1 01 Notes Internet Search Tools T1 01 Notes Internet Search Tools T
1 01 Notes Internet Search Tools T
 
Worksheet
WorksheetWorksheet
Worksheet
 
Lecture 8
Lecture 8Lecture 8
Lecture 8
 
INPUT,OUTPUT AND STORAGE DEVICES
INPUT,OUTPUT AND STORAGE DEVICESINPUT,OUTPUT AND STORAGE DEVICES
INPUT,OUTPUT AND STORAGE DEVICES
 
Chap1 Internet Fundamental
Chap1 Internet FundamentalChap1 Internet Fundamental
Chap1 Internet Fundamental
 
04 ms excel
04 ms excel04 ms excel
04 ms excel
 
Delta Management excercise
Delta Management excerciseDelta Management excercise
Delta Management excercise
 
Creating a chart in Excel
Creating a chart in Excel Creating a chart in Excel
Creating a chart in Excel
 
Manage Project Agreements and Fundings in Oracle EBS Projects via MS-Excel us...
Manage Project Agreements and Fundings in Oracle EBS Projects via MS-Excel us...Manage Project Agreements and Fundings in Oracle EBS Projects via MS-Excel us...
Manage Project Agreements and Fundings in Oracle EBS Projects via MS-Excel us...
 

Similar to Module 6 component of excel chart

Making a Chart Using Excel
Making a Chart Using ExcelMaking a Chart Using Excel
Making a Chart Using Excelrebelbrindley
 
CVE 156 lecture 3.pdf
CVE 156 lecture 3.pdfCVE 156 lecture 3.pdf
CVE 156 lecture 3.pdfSomayyaAnsary
 
Lesson11 working with charts
Lesson11 working with chartsLesson11 working with charts
Lesson11 working with chartsricsanmae
 
Basics of Creating Graphs / Charts using Microsoft Excel
Basics of Creating Graphs / Charts using Microsoft ExcelBasics of Creating Graphs / Charts using Microsoft Excel
Basics of Creating Graphs / Charts using Microsoft ExcelTope Osanyintuyi
 
Lesson 10 working with charts
Lesson 10   working with chartsLesson 10   working with charts
Lesson 10 working with chartsguevarra_2000
 
Lesson 11 working with charts
Lesson 11   working with chartsLesson 11   working with charts
Lesson 11 working with chartsguevarra_2000
 
Excel Graphs Charts
Excel Graphs ChartsExcel Graphs Charts
Excel Graphs Chartssimply_coool
 
Graphing Using Excel Part Ii 2008 Finished
Graphing Using Excel Part Ii 2008 FinishedGraphing Using Excel Part Ii 2008 Finished
Graphing Using Excel Part Ii 2008 FinishedStephanie
 
Creating a Bar Graph in Excel 2016The means for each group are.docx
Creating a Bar Graph in Excel 2016The means for each group are.docxCreating a Bar Graph in Excel 2016The means for each group are.docx
Creating a Bar Graph in Excel 2016The means for each group are.docxwillcoxjanay
 
Lecture 10: introduction to computer
Lecture 10: introduction to computerLecture 10: introduction to computer
Lecture 10: introduction to computerSultan Omar Shige
 
Creating & Editing Charts In Microsoft Excel 2003
Creating & Editing Charts In Microsoft Excel 2003Creating & Editing Charts In Microsoft Excel 2003
Creating & Editing Charts In Microsoft Excel 2003bud_00
 
Microsoft Excel.pptx
Microsoft Excel.pptxMicrosoft Excel.pptx
Microsoft Excel.pptxSIMNchannel
 
Excel Slope Instruction
Excel Slope InstructionExcel Slope Instruction
Excel Slope Instructiontotoros_girl
 
PAGE 1Using Microsoft Excel 2010 for Selected Tasks(Thr.docx
PAGE  1Using Microsoft Excel 2010 for Selected Tasks(Thr.docxPAGE  1Using Microsoft Excel 2010 for Selected Tasks(Thr.docx
PAGE 1Using Microsoft Excel 2010 for Selected Tasks(Thr.docxalfred4lewis58146
 

Similar to Module 6 component of excel chart (20)

Making a Chart Using Excel
Making a Chart Using ExcelMaking a Chart Using Excel
Making a Chart Using Excel
 
CVE 156 lecture 3.pdf
CVE 156 lecture 3.pdfCVE 156 lecture 3.pdf
CVE 156 lecture 3.pdf
 
Lesson11 working with charts
Lesson11 working with chartsLesson11 working with charts
Lesson11 working with charts
 
Basics of Creating Graphs / Charts using Microsoft Excel
Basics of Creating Graphs / Charts using Microsoft ExcelBasics of Creating Graphs / Charts using Microsoft Excel
Basics of Creating Graphs / Charts using Microsoft Excel
 
Advanced excel
Advanced excelAdvanced excel
Advanced excel
 
Lesson 10 working with charts
Lesson 10   working with chartsLesson 10   working with charts
Lesson 10 working with charts
 
Lesson 11 working with charts
Lesson 11   working with chartsLesson 11   working with charts
Lesson 11 working with charts
 
Computer midterms
Computer midtermsComputer midterms
Computer midterms
 
Print16
Print16Print16
Print16
 
Excel Graphs Charts
Excel Graphs ChartsExcel Graphs Charts
Excel Graphs Charts
 
Graphing Using Excel Part Ii 2008 Finished
Graphing Using Excel Part Ii 2008 FinishedGraphing Using Excel Part Ii 2008 Finished
Graphing Using Excel Part Ii 2008 Finished
 
Excel2002
Excel2002Excel2002
Excel2002
 
Creating a Bar Graph in Excel 2016The means for each group are.docx
Creating a Bar Graph in Excel 2016The means for each group are.docxCreating a Bar Graph in Excel 2016The means for each group are.docx
Creating a Bar Graph in Excel 2016The means for each group are.docx
 
Ms excel ppt
Ms excel pptMs excel ppt
Ms excel ppt
 
Excel booklet
Excel bookletExcel booklet
Excel booklet
 
Lecture 10: introduction to computer
Lecture 10: introduction to computerLecture 10: introduction to computer
Lecture 10: introduction to computer
 
Creating & Editing Charts In Microsoft Excel 2003
Creating & Editing Charts In Microsoft Excel 2003Creating & Editing Charts In Microsoft Excel 2003
Creating & Editing Charts In Microsoft Excel 2003
 
Microsoft Excel.pptx
Microsoft Excel.pptxMicrosoft Excel.pptx
Microsoft Excel.pptx
 
Excel Slope Instruction
Excel Slope InstructionExcel Slope Instruction
Excel Slope Instruction
 
PAGE 1Using Microsoft Excel 2010 for Selected Tasks(Thr.docx
PAGE  1Using Microsoft Excel 2010 for Selected Tasks(Thr.docxPAGE  1Using Microsoft Excel 2010 for Selected Tasks(Thr.docx
PAGE 1Using Microsoft Excel 2010 for Selected Tasks(Thr.docx
 

More from Dr. Shalini Pandey (20)

Flip book on consumer awareness
Flip book on consumer awarenessFlip book on consumer awareness
Flip book on consumer awareness
 
50 management techniques
50 management techniques50 management techniques
50 management techniques
 
Circulation management
Circulation managementCirculation management
Circulation management
 
Stress
StressStress
Stress
 
Stress
StressStress
Stress
 
Ankit report
Ankit reportAnkit report
Ankit report
 
Advertisment fo anaemia awareness camp
Advertisment fo anaemia awareness campAdvertisment fo anaemia awareness camp
Advertisment fo anaemia awareness camp
 
Advertisment practical file
Advertisment practical fileAdvertisment practical file
Advertisment practical file
 
Res525 shalini
Res525 shaliniRes525 shalini
Res525 shalini
 
Res525 origin of earth and earth atmosphere
Res525 origin of earth and earth atmosphereRes525 origin of earth and earth atmosphere
Res525 origin of earth and earth atmosphere
 
Data processing
Data processingData processing
Data processing
 
Introduction Advertising
Introduction AdvertisingIntroduction Advertising
Introduction Advertising
 
Climate smart agriculture 2
Climate smart agriculture 2Climate smart agriculture 2
Climate smart agriculture 2
 
Climate smart agriculture
Climate smart agricultureClimate smart agriculture
Climate smart agriculture
 
Farmers Right
Farmers RightFarmers Right
Farmers Right
 
Critical analysis of welfare schemes
Critical analysis of welfare schemesCritical analysis of welfare schemes
Critical analysis of welfare schemes
 
College of home science leaflet
College of home science leafletCollege of home science leaflet
College of home science leaflet
 
Health problems related to nutrition
Health problems related to nutritionHealth problems related to nutrition
Health problems related to nutrition
 
Farmers kit
Farmers kitFarmers kit
Farmers kit
 
Digital india program
Digital india programDigital india program
Digital india program
 

Module 6 component of excel chart

  • 1. Module No. -5 Components of an Excel Chart: An Excel-chart comprises of many components as shown in following figure. Chart Area Data Point/Marker Sales Performance Chart 300 Data Label Grid Lines Sales Value in Lacks 300 Plot Area Y Axis Title Y Axis Y Axis Values 250 200 150 150 Chart Title 150 Tek Sun 100 100 Legend 200 50 50 0 X Axis Jan Feb Mar Month X Axis Title The figure shows that an Excel-chart comprises of two areas i.e. Chart area and the Plot area. Chart area : Chart area is the entire area that is reserved for accommodating the chart and other components such as legends, titles etc. Plot area : Plot area is a part of chart area, which contains the chart. Y axis : It is the vertical line whose length and segments represent different values. The y-axis is used to show the variation of different identities. X axis : A horizontal line on which you show the variation of another component of the chart. It's length and segments represent different intervals of the values. Y axis title : Y- axis title identifies the values that have been shown on Y- axis. X axis title : X- axis conveys the full details of the X-axis values. Grid lines : Grid lines are the lines that can be thought of as an extension of tick marks. They help in reading the values of the data points. They are scaled according to the values of the axes.
  • 2. Data Series : Data series is a collection of related values that are plotted on a chart. For example, following are two data series : A 1 2 3 Sales Expenditure B Jan 100 150 C Feb 50 1000 D Mar 150 200 Data Point : It represents one value of the data series. Data label : Data label is some piece of text, which is written near data point to highlight some aspect of it. Chart title : Chart title is the text written in chart area, which identifies the chart. Legends : Legends are some sort of labels that identify different series that have been plotted in the chart. Generally, these labels are attached to a symbol or color or pattern that is associated with the series of the chart. It is used to distinguish one data series from another. Creating charts in Excel: Excel chart is a graphical representation of Excel worksheet data. To represent the data in the form of charts, first prepare the worksheet and then select the portion of the worksheet that is to be represented in the form of chart. Select one of the following methods for plotting the chart. (a) Using Chart wizard (b) Using Bar menu (c) Using Chart bar What is Wizard? Wizard is a series of predefined sequence of steps, which are specially designed to accomplish a task. Each step of Wizard provides you with necessary help, guidelines and lot of options to choose from. Wizard displays a dialog box. Each dialog box has a Forward, Backward buttons to move to the next or previous step respectively. It is a time consuming process and hence, experts prefer to make charts independently using other methods. A Sample Worksheet: Following is the sample worksheet, which shows Sales, Expenditure, Tax and Profit figures of three companies viz. Tek, Sun and Net. 2
  • 3. A 1 B C D E Profit & Loss Comparison Sheet 2 Tek Sun Net 3 Sales 5000 12000 25000 4 Expend 4000 5000 7000 5 Tax 2000 3000 4000 6 Profit -1000 4000 14000 7 For making a chart by using wizard, following steps are to be performed: (a) Select the range A2:D6 by dragging the mouse over it. (b) Select the Chart Wizard button from Standard toolbar, following dialog box will be displayed : (c) This dialog box displays icons for all types of charts that can be plotted. Any chart can be selected by clicking the mouse on the corresponding icon. Since we want to plot a column chart, hence we will select Column option from Chart type list box. (d) After selecting the chart type, select Next button, which will display the following dialog box. 3
  • 4. (e) The dialog box as illustrated in figure shows two radio buttons, viz. "Rows" and "Column". If you select Rows option it would mean that the rows of the selected range have to be treated as data series. On the other hand if you select Columns option then this would mean that the columns of the worksheet would act as data series. Click on appropriate radio button according to your requirements. After supplying these details select Next button and it will display the following dialog box. (f) There are six tab buttons in the above shown dialog box. Each tab button is capable of performing an action. For example, using Titles tab button, you can add a title to your chart. While if you select Gridlines tab, you can have the gridlines displayed in your 4
  • 5. chart. A detailed description of all these tab buttons is given below: Title: Using this tab button, you can add a title to you chart. When you select this button, Excel will display a dialog box. (a) Enter the title of your chart in "Chart title" text box. For example, enter the title "Profit & Loss Chart". (b) X-axis title can be entered in the "Category (X) axis" text box. Say we key-in "Company". (c) In the "Value (Y) axis" text box enter the title for Y-axis. Say we key in "Rs". Axes: This tab button is used to show/ hide the title or numbers written on to X-axis and Yaxis. On selecting this tab, Excel displays the following dialog box. (a) If you desire not to have value on X-axis, uncheck "Category (X) axis" check box. If the axes were absent then clicking on to the check box again would add the axis. (b) Similarly if you do not want value on Y-axis, uncheck the "Value (Y) axis" check box, while if you click on the check box again, it would add the values. Gridlines: 5
  • 6. This option provides the facility to draw the gridlines on the chart. On selecting this option, Excel displays the following dialog box. (a) Draw the grid lines on X-axis check the corresponding check box otherwise keep it unchecked. (b) If you want gridlines on Y-axis check the corresponding check box, otherwise keep it unchecked. Legend: This tab identifies the pattern or color assigned to the data series or categories in a chart. For example, in our example the blue color bar shows the data relating to "Sales". While brown color bar shows the data related to the expenditure etc. You also have the option for placing the legend. You can place the legend at the bottom, top, left, right etc according to your, own requirements. On selecting this tab Excel shows the following dialog box. 6
  • 7. (a) if you want to display the legends on the charts check the "Show legend" check box. (b) Select the appropriate place where you want the legend to be placed, from the "Placement radio button list. Data Label: Data labels are the labels that provide additional information about the data marker. When you select this tab then Excel displays following dialog box. If you do not want data label, click on the "None" option. If you want to display the values along with the column charts, select "Show value" option. While if you wish to display the corresponding labels along with the chart, selects "Show label" radio button. To display the legend along with the label next to it, click on the "Legend key next to label" option. Assignment No. 15 Q.1. State any three types of chart that can be prepared with the help of chart wizard? Q.2. What is the purpose of drawing the gridlines in a chart? Q.3. What is the significance of legend in a chart? Q.4. Write short notes on the following? a. Legend 7
  • 8. b. Q.5. Data label Write the components of an Excel Chart? 8