Graphing with Excel - Creating A Bar Graph
Understanding Graphs WS

Introduction

Bar graphs are created in much the same way scatter plots and line graphs are. Bar graphs are a very common type of graph best suited for a qualitative independent variable. On the other hand, a line graph is best used when the independent variables are being compared over time.

Creating a bar graph with one independent variable

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1. Data is entered into Excel much in the same way as it is with scatter plots and line graphs:

Note that the independent variable is placed in the first column while the dependent variable is placed in the second column. The headers at the top of each column are not necessary, but they do help identify the variables.

 

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2. With the data shown above highlighted, start the Chart Wizard wizfrom the toolbar:If the Chart Wizard is not visible on the toolbar, you can also choose Insert > Chart...

 

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3. Choose the Column Chart type and the Chart sub-type in the upper left corner (basic bar graph). This chart type creates a vertical bar graph, which Excel refers to as a Column chart. If you want to create a horizontal bar graph, choose the Bar chart type. Click Next when you are done.

 

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4. Confirm that your Data Series are in Columns in your spreadsheet. Your Data range should reflect your selection of the independent and dependent data (plus possibly your column headers) in absolute cell references. The preview should show a pretty good representation of what your chart will look like. Click Next when you are done.

 

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5. Enter your titling. Also make sure to go to the Legend tab and click off the Show Legend option. You will not need a legend with only one independent variable. Click Next or Finish when you are done.

 

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6. Your final graph should look something like the one above. Note that when the graph is selected, your independent and dependent variables are highlighted in purple and blue boxes, respectively.

 

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7. You can customize the color of each bar and font by double-clicking the item to be change.

 

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8. You can format the (Y) axis scale by double-clicking the axis and changing the values as needed. Don't be afraid to play around with the graph settings to customize it for maximum visual impact and/or clarity of data.

 

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9. Above is a picture of my final graph. With the graph selected, Copy the image under the Edit menu. Return back to your lab report in the word processor and Paste the image into your document. That's it for a perfect graph!!!