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A chart is a visual representation of worksheet data that uses graphical elements to simplify comparisons, identify patterns, and communicate trends.

How to make a chart in Excel

To make a chart in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Select the data range you want to visualize.

2. Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.

3. Choose a chart type in the Charts group.

4. Click the preferred chart subtype to insert it into the worksheet.

5. Use the Chart Design and Format tabs to customize colors, labels, and layout.

Chart creation differences on Windows and Mac

Windows uses the Chart Design and Format tabs displayed automatically after selecting the chart.
Mac uses the Chart Design and Format tabs in a similar way, although the layout of icons and ribbon spacing differs slightly.
Windows shows more chart templates by default in the Insert menu, while Mac displays a streamlined layout with fewer visible presets.
Both systems support the same chart types, customization tools, and editing options.

Choosing the right chart type

1. Column Chart communicates comparisons across categories.

2. Line Chart communicates data progression across time.

3. Pie Chart communicates share-of-total distributions.

4. Bar Chart communicates ranked categories.

5. Area Chart communicates cumulative values across time.

6. Scatter Chart communicates relationships between numerical variables.

How to format a chart in Excel

To format a chart in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Click the chart to activate Chart Design and Format tabs.

2. Use Chart Design to modify the chart style, switch rows and columns, change chart type, or move the chart.

3. Use Format to change shapes, outlines, text styles, and object alignment.

4. Use Chart Elements (+ icon) to add titles, labels, gridlines, and legends.

5. Use Chart Filters to include or exclude data from the visual.

How to move or resize a chart

To move a chart in Excel, click the chart border and drag it to a new location.
To resize a chart, drag the corner handles or side handles on the chart border.

How to update chart data automatically

Charts update automatically when the linked cell values change.
Replace values directly in the worksheet to see updated bars, lines, or segments in the chart.
Extend the source range by resizing the selection in Select Data if new rows or columns need to be included.

How to change the chart type

To change a chart type in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Select the chart.

2. Open the Chart Design tab.

3. Click Change Chart Type.

4. Choose a new chart category and subtype.

How to delete a chart

To delete a chart in Excel, click the chart border and press Delete on the keyboard.

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