How to build a chart and graph (pie, dot, line, etc.). Using Excel 2016/2019 as an example

Good day!

Quite often, when working at a computer, you need to build some kind of graph or diagram (for example, when preparing a presentation, report, abstract, etc.),

The process itself is not complicated, but it often raises questions (moreover, even for those who would not be sitting at the PC for the first day 👀).

In my example below, I want to show how to build a variety of charts in the popular Excel program (version 2016/2019). The choice fell on it, since it (or its analogues) is on almost any home PC (after all, the Microsoft Office package is still considered basic for many).

So...

A quick way to build a graph

What's great about the new Excel is not only higher system requirements and a more modern design, but also simpler and faster charting capabilities.

Let me show you now how you can build a graph in Excel 2016 (2019) in just a couple of steps.

1) First, open a document in Excel, on the basis of which we are going to build a graph. Usually, it is a plate with several data. In my case, a table with various Windows operating systems.

It is necessary to select the entire table (an example is shown below in the screenshot 👇).

The table is highlighted (green frame)

2) Next, open the section "Insert" , and click on the button "Recommended charts" .

The bottom line is that Excel will analyze your table itself and offer the most optimal and visual options for its presentation. Those. you don't have to tweak, fit, clog data, etc.

In general, I recommend it for use.

Recommended charts

3) In the form that appears, select the type of chart that you "like". I chose a classic line chart (see example below).

Classic graph

4) Further in the designer (appears at the top), you can set the desired display style of the chart. Looks good, for example, a black contrasting style (example below).

Graph styles, charts

Actually, on this diagram (graph) is ready! Now it can be inserted 👉 in the form of a screenshot (or diagram) in a presentation or report.

By the way, it would be nice to give a name to the diagram (but it's quite simple and easy, so I'm not stopping).

Building a pie chart

To build a pie or scatter chart (which are very visual and loved by many users), you need a certain type of data.

For the pie chart to clearly show the relationship, you only need to use one row from the table, not all. It is clearly shown what is at stake in the screenshot below.

Choosing a chart based on data type

So, we are building a pie chart (screen below, see arrow numbers):

first, we select our table;
then go to the section "Insert" ;
click on the icon "Recommended charts" ;
further in the list, select "Pie chart" , click OK.

Building a pie chart

Then it remains only to choose the style of the diagram to suit your requirements. The diagram is ready!

The resulting pie chart

Plotting a scatter or any other chart

If the chart you want to plot is not among the recommended charts (for example, you want to plot a scatter plot).

In this case, all actions will be the same: just select the table, in the section "Insert" select and click on "Recommended charts", and then select the item "All diagrams" (see arrow 4 on the screenshot below 👇).

Actually, here you will see everything available charts: histogram, graph, circular, linear, point, stock, surface, petal, tree, sun rays, box, etc.

Moreover, by choosing one of the chart types, you can still choose its type, for example, choose the option 3D display. In general, choose according to your requirements ...