How to Create a Graph or Chart in Excel

Excel offers many types of graphs from funnel charts to bar graphs to waterfall charts. You can review recommended charts for your data selection or choose a specific type. And once you create the graph, you can customize it with all sorts of options. Start by selecting the data you want to use for your chart. Go to the Insert tab and the Charts section of the ribbon. You can then use a suggested chart or select one yourself.

Choose a Recommended Chart

On the Recommended Charts tab in the window, you can review the suggestions on the left and see a preview on the right. If you’d like to use a chart you see, select it and click “OK.”

Choose Your Own Chart

If you would prefer to select a graph on your own, click the All Charts tab at the top of the window. You’ll see the types listed on the left. Select one to view the styles for that type of chart on the right. To use one, select it and click “OK.”

Another way to choose the type of chart you want to use is by selecting it in the Charts section of the ribbon.

There is a drop-down arrow next to each chart type for you to pick the style. For example, if you choose a column or bar chart, you can select 2-D or 3-D column or 2-D or 3-D bar.

Whichever way you go about choosing the chart you want to use, it will pop right onto your sheet after you select it.

From there, you can customize everything from the colors and style to the elements that appear on the chart.