Create an Excel Graph from Scratch

Ever tried to create an Excel graph from scratch? You can actually add your own Legend Entries (Series) and Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels. The location of the data should not hinder one from creating a graph. In the example below we explain how one can create a Sales Vs Purchases graph from scratch with the data located in different parts of the worksheet.

 Applies To: MS Excel 2003, 2007 and 2010 

  1. This tip will be based on the screen shot below

2.  Select any blank cell on the worksheet

3.  From the Insert tab, in the Charts group, select Line

4.  Select 2-D Line as below:

5.  A blank chart will be inserted

6.  Select the blank chart

7.  From the Design tab, in the Data group, select Select Data

8.  Select the Add button in the Legend Entries (Series) box

9.  Select as below

10.  Select OK

11. Select Add and as below

12.   Select Ok

13.  Select the Edit button in the Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels

14.  Select as below

15.  Select Ok

16.  Select OK

17.  From the Layout tab, in the Labels group, select Chart Title

18.  Select Above Chart

19.  In the Chart Title box, enter Sales vs Purchases

20.  Right click on the Chart and select Move Chart

21.  Select New Sheet. A comparison Line graph as below will be displayed

 

 

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