Often, spreadsheets will include geographic data. For example, you might find yourself working with a list of states and response rates for a survey. It might be useful to display this data in map form. Fortunately, Excel makes that easy. Let’s learn how to add a map chart in Microsoft Excel.
How to Add a Map Chart in Excel
Map charts are great ways to illustrate your data and how it fits into the global landscape. Excel has a newer feature to help you do exactly that.
To get started with map charts in Excel, begin by inputting your data into a pair of columns. Column A should list your states, while column B contains the response ratios, formatted as percentages. Once you have the data typed in, click and drag to select the range of cells that contain it. Here, that’s A1:B5.
Then, go to the Insert tab on Excel’s ribbon. Near the middle, you’ll see the Charts section. Here, there are many options for visual graphics that you can add to your spreadsheet.
Since you’re looking for a geographic option, click on the Maps dropdown. It will open, and you’ll see a single selection: Filled Map, which displays as a globe thumbnail.
Click on this, and you’ll see a map chart appear on your Excel sheet.
Based on the percentages, the individual states are shaded in different colors, represented by the legend on the right side. You can also add custom elements like a chart title and other designs, found on the Chart Design tab on Excel’s ribbon.
As you can see, map charts are easy to add in Excel. These sleek custom designs bring geographic data to life in new and unique ways. All you have to do is input map-related data in rows and columns, and let Excel’s chart features do the work.
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