Column Chart In Excel 2013

Excel 2013 is a powerful tool that allows users to create a variety of charts and graphs to visualize data in a clear and concise manner. One of the most commonly used types of charts in Excel is the column chart, which is used to compare and analyze data across different categories or time periods. In this article, we will explore the features and functionality of the column chart in Excel 2013.

Creating a Column Chart

To create a column chart in Excel 2013, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the Data

First, select the data you want to include in your chart. Make sure to include both the category names and the corresponding values. For example, if you are comparing sales data for different months, you would select the month names and the corresponding sales figures.

Step 2: Insert the Chart

Next, go to the “Insert” tab in the Excel ribbon and click on the “Column” chart icon. This will open a drop-down menu with different column chart options. Choose the type of column chart that best suits your needs. Excel offers various options, such as clustered column, stacked column, and 100% stacked column.

Step 3: Customize the Chart

Once you have inserted the column chart, you can customize it to fit your preferences. Right-click on the chart and select “Format Chart Area” to change the colors, fonts, and other visual elements. You can also modify the axis labels, add a title, and insert data labels to show the exact values of each column.

Sample Column Charts

Here are five examples of column charts that can be created using Excel 2013:

1. Sales Comparison by Month

This chart compares the sales figures for different months. Each column represents a month, and the height of the column corresponds to the sales amount.

2. Market Share by Company

This chart displays the market share of different companies in a particular industry. Each column represents a company, and the width of the column represents its market share.

3. Population Growth by Country

This chart illustrates the population growth of different countries over a specific time period. Each column represents a country, and the height of the column represents the population size.

4. Product Sales by Category

This chart shows the sales figures for different product categories. Each column represents a category, and the height of the column corresponds to the sales amount.

5. Expenses by Department

This chart visualizes the expenses incurred by different departments within an organization. Each column represents a department, and the height of the column represents the expense amount.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I change the colors of the columns in my chart?

To change the colors of the columns in your chart, right-click on the chart and select “Format Data Series.” Then, go to the “Fill” section and choose a new color for the columns.

2. Can I add a trendline to my column chart?

Yes, you can add a trendline to your column chart to show the general direction of the data. Right-click on the chart, select “Add Trendline,” and choose the type of trendline you want to add.

3. How do I switch the axis labels in my column chart?

To switch the axis labels in your column chart, right-click on the chart and select “Switch Row/Column” from the menu. This will interchange the category names and the corresponding values.

4. Can I create a 3D column chart in Excel 2013?

Yes, you can create a 3D column chart in Excel 2013 by selecting the “3-D Column” chart type from the chart options.

5. How can I change the axis labels to display as percentages?

To change the axis labels to display as percentages, right-click on the chart and select “Format Axis.” Then, go to the “Number” section and choose the percentage format.

Conclusion

The column chart is a versatile and powerful tool in Excel 2013 that allows users to analyze and compare data easily. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create visually appealing and informative column charts that effectively communicate your data. Experiment with different chart options and customization settings to find the style that best suits your needs.

Tags

Excel 2013, Column chart, Data visualization, Data analysis, Charts and graphs, Microsoft Office