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
- 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
If you have any suggestions for an Excel Tips & Tricks topic, or you would like help with a particular function, please email enablement@alchemex.com and yours could be the next Tip of the Week.
Alchemex provides examples of MS Excel procedures for illustration only, without warranty expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. The MS Excel procedures on this web site are provided “as is” cannot be guaranteed that they can be used in all situations