Chapter 9: Charting Spreadsheet Data

Overview

10-Second Summary

• Recognize chart elements

• Create a chart

• Learn chart editing techniques

• Use ink to annotate a chart

People get tired of looking at numbers. They want to see color , diagrams, and pictures that illustrate what you re trying to say. Charts enable you to show at a glance what your numbers are leading up to. Readers will know instantly which region sold the most, which subsidiary is most profitable, or who has the highest turnover . And depending on the type of chart you choose, you can show complex relationships among various data items or a simple, easy-to-read bar chart.

Lingo  

A chart is a graphical representation of your data that s designed to show readers at a glance the trends that your data suggests.

Microsoft Office Excel 2003 enables you to create a number of different charts, and gives you a Chart Wizard to lead you quickly through the process. Along the way, you have the option of creating associated details as you want them ”adding chart titles and labels, displaying a legend, coloring the chart, and more. This chapter shows you how to make the most of Excel s charting feature in the shortest time. You re just a few clicks away from a few good-looking charts.