Charts in Excel can display data in a more visually appealing and easy to understand format compared to tables of numbers. There are many components that make up a chart, including axes, data series, plot area, legend and more. Excel offers different types of charts, such as column, bar, line, area, pie, doughnut, scatter, radar, surface and stock charts, each suited to displaying certain types of data trends over time or in relation to other factors.

1. Charts in
Excel
BY DEVIKA DILHIWALA

2. What is a Chart in Excel?
o Charts are graphic representations of the data.
o Charts help us make instant decisions based on the
comparison of numbers.
o They help us analyze and evaluate the worksheet
conveniently.
o As compared to simple presentation, charts are more
attractive and appealing.

3. ADVANTAGES OF CHARTS
1) Charts can display a lot of information in a easy to understand format.
2) Data and information can be presented in an attractive manner with the help of a chart.
3) A chart is more impressive and informative as compared to a simple data statement.

4. Components of Chart

5. Components of Chart
There are many components of a chart. They are given below:
1) X-axis: The X-axis is horizontal axis of the chart, and it is also known as category axis.
2) Y-axis: The Y-axis is vertical axis of the chart, and it is also known as value axis. The value of each data series is plotted on this axis.
3) Dara Series: It is a group of data from which a chart is derived.
4) Data Object: Charts are made up of a variety of elements, also called data objects.
5) Chart Area: It is the area where chart components are enclosed.
6) Plot Area: The area of the chart where the actual chart is plotted.
7) Chart Title: The text at the top of the chart that helps to understand what the chart represents.
8) Axis Title: These are the titles given to the two axis, i.e., X-axis and Y-axis of the chart.
9) Gridlines: The gridlines are the horizontal and vertical lines on the plot area, which are inserted in the chart to enhance its readability.
10) Legend: A legend is to the right of the plot area, and it identifies each series can be uniquely identified by assigning a unique color or
pattern to it.
11) Data Label: This is a text or label that provides additional information on data points.

6. Types of Charts
Excel provides different kinds of charts from pie charts to bar charts and many more.
1. COLUMN CHART
This chart displays the data in the
form of vertical bars, which
changes over a period of time, and
compares various items.

7. 2. BAR CHART
Bar chart can be represented in a tabular format
as well as in the pattern of columns.
3. LINE CHART
Line charts can display continues data over the time, set
against a common scale and are, therefore, ideal for
showing trends in data at equal intervals.

8. 4. AREA CHART
It displays the magnitude of change over time. It
also shows the relationship of parts to a whole
by displaying the sum of a plotted value.
5. PIE CHART
This chart has a shape of round pie cut into pieces of slices.
It displays the contribution of each value to a total value.

9. 6. DOUGHNUT CHART
It consists of more than one data series. In this
chart, each ring represents one data series. It
shows the relationships of parts to a whole.
7. SCATTER CHART
The scatter chart and the line chart are almost similar, but
the scatter chart is displayed with a scribble in line whereas
the line chart uses a connected line to display data.

10. 8. RADAR CHART
A radar chart plots data in concentric irregular
circles. Each data series has its own value arising
from the center point. Lines connect all values in
the same series.
9. SURFACE CHART
It shows the three dimensional view of data. A topographic
map is an example of this type of chart.
10. STOCK CHART
It is ideal for tracking the stock market activity.