How do you make graphs in Excel?

Question

I figured out how to make a graph in Excel. My problem is that I don't know how to insert the points on the graph or connect them with a line. I'm also supposed to know how to shade part of the graph or draw a broken line for my Algebra class.

Answer 1

First of all, check that the graph's Source Data range is set correctly. Select the chart, then go to Chart > Source Data to see what data range is being used. You can use the little box at the right to select the source data on your worksheet. Also make sure that the "Series in:" setting is correct (usually Columns is correct, but if your data goes across instead of down, choose Rows).

Next, in the same dialog box, go to the Series tab. If you only want one data series (i.e. one line on the graph) there shouldn't be much you need to do here, but just verify that it is using the correct data.

Now, you need to select the correct chart type. If you have a list of x values and the corresponding y values as your data, you need to select the chart type "XY (Scatter)". You will see a variety of sub-types to choose from, depending on whether you want the data points only, data points with lines connecting them, connecting lines with no data point markers, data points with smoothed lines connecting them, or smoothed lines with no data point markers. If you're trying to graph a function, and your x values are in order, choose a sub-type which has connecting lines (not smoothed), with or without data point markers as you prefer.

If you're still having trouble, select a data series and go to Format > Selected Data Series. Here you can set options for the line and marker formatting, as well as a variety of other options.

To draw a broken line, first make sure the Drawing toolbar is visible. If not, right-click in the main toolbar to see a list of all available toolbars. Look for "Drawing" and select it. You should see a toolbar come up (by default at the bottom of the window) with some line and shape symbols. If the buttons are in their standard locations, near the end of it there are two buttons to control line weight (it has a thin line on top, a medium one underneath and a thick line at the bottom) and style (solid line, dotted line, dashed line, dot-dash line). Click on these and choose the line style. Then click on the line tool near the left end of the toolbar to go into line drawing mode. Then click and drag on the spreadsheet to draw the line you want. If you want arrowheads, use the arrowhead tool (you can select arrowhead style from the button just right of the line style button, with three different arrowhead styles on it).

You can adjust the chart background shading by double-clicking on the background area; but I don't know of any way that you can shade just part of a graph.

Answer 2

For example you want to make a x-y graph

first, tabulate the x versus y values
then highlight those values before clcking the chart wizzard toolbar. choose the xy scatter, then click finish.

the graph will show on your excell sheet, just right click for the graph formats, there you can change the color of your graph.

you can also refer to excel help type in graphs in search toolbar

Answer 3

Try this.......... highlight/select the entire graph you want to copy Then, select edit - copy or Key Ctl "C" (same effect) Now, go to your Word document and instead of doing edit - Paste, do the following: From the task bar; select Edit - Paste Special..........then select Picture (Megafile) Should get the result needed/wanted