A line graph is a handy way to illustrate data. But there’s no need to draw them by hand when you have spreadsheets. Let’s learn how to make a line graph in Microsoft Excel.
How to Make a Line graph in Excel
Let’s say you have a table of data showing annual sales for a few previous years. It might be helpful to display this in graph form to make it easier to understand.
Excel makes it easy to add a line graph. To begin, go ahead and select all the cells in the table. In this case, the range is A1:B5. This will tell Excel exactly what to include in the graph.
Then, go to Excel’s Insert tab on the ribbon. Near the center, you’ll see the graphs group. Here, there are many options for different kinds of graphs. In this case, you want a line graph, so click on the Line dropdown arrow.
You’ll see an array of styles and options appear on a dropdown menu. Excel offers both 2D and 3D styles to show off data in different ways. In many cases, simple is best, so click on the first option in the upper left: 2-D Line > Line.
Instantly, a basic line graph will be inserted onto your spreadsheet. You can click and drag it to move it around the sheet, and the corners can be dragged to resize it. On the graph Design menu on the ribbon, notice several options. You can add things like axis titles, or change the color of the line.
There are background options, and different styles that you can apply. It’s also possible to change the graph title. Simply click into the text box in the graph, and type in something new.
Excel makes it easy to add and customize line graphs.
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