Column Chart In Excel 2017

Introduction

In the world of data analysis and visualization, Microsoft Excel has been a popular tool for many years. One of the most commonly used chart types in Excel is the column chart. It is a graphical representation of data that uses vertical bars to show comparisons between different categories or groups. In this article, we will explore the features and functionalities of the column chart in Excel 2017.

Creating a Column Chart

To create a column chart in Excel 2017, follow these steps:

1. Select the data range that you want to include in the chart.
2. Go to the “Insert” tab in the Excel ribbon.
3. Click on the “Column” chart icon in the “Charts” group.
4. Select the desired column chart type from the drop-down menu.
5. Excel will automatically generate a column chart based on your selected data.

Customizing the Column Chart

Excel provides various options to customize the appearance of your column chart. You can change the color, style, and width of the columns, as well as modify the axes, gridlines, and labels. Additionally, you can add data labels, legends, and titles to make your chart more informative and visually appealing.

Changing the Column Color

To change the color of the columns in your chart, right-click on any column and select “Format Data Series” from the context menu. In the “Format Data Series” pane, navigate to the “Fill & Line” tab. Here, you can choose a new color for the columns by selecting a preset or defining a custom color.

Adjusting the Column Width

To adjust the width of the columns in your chart, right-click on any column and select “Format Data Series” from the context menu. In the “Format Data Series” pane, navigate to the “Series Options” tab. Here, you can increase or decrease the value in the “Gap Width” field to change the width of the columns.

Adding Data Labels

Data labels provide additional information about the data points in your chart. To add data labels to your column chart, right-click on any column and select “Add Data Labels” from the context menu. Excel will display the data values above each column.

Modifying Axes and Gridlines

To modify the axes and gridlines in your column chart, right-click on any axis or gridline and select the desired option from the context menu. You can change the axis labels, scale, and formatting, as well as add or remove gridlines to improve readability.

Adding Legends and Titles

Legends and titles provide context and explanation for your chart. To add a legend to your column chart, go to the “Design” tab in the Excel ribbon and click on the “Add Chart Element” button. Select “Legend” from the drop-down menu and choose the desired position for the legend. To add a title, click on the chart and enter the desired text in the “Chart Title” field that appears above the chart.

Sample Column Charts

Here are five sample column charts created using Excel 2017:

1. A column chart comparing the sales performance of different products in a month.
2. A column chart showing the population growth of different countries over a decade.
3. A column chart displaying the monthly expenses of a business in various categories.
4. A column chart comparing the academic performance of students in different subjects.
5. A column chart illustrating the market share of different companies in a specific industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I change the axis labels in my column chart?
2. Can I add data labels to individual columns in my chart?
3. Is it possible to combine multiple column charts into one chart?
4. How can I change the color of a specific column in my chart?
5. Can I create a stacked column chart in Excel 2017?
6. How do I add a trendline to my column chart?
7. Is there a way to sort the columns in my chart in a specific order?
8. Can I create a 3D column chart in Excel 2017?
9. How do I remove gridlines from my column chart?
10. Is it possible to create a dynamic column chart that updates automatically when new data is added?

Conclusion

The column chart is a versatile and powerful tool in Excel 2017 for visualizing data and comparing different categories or groups. With its customizable features and functionalities, you can create informative and visually appealing charts to analyze and present your data effectively. Whether you are a business professional, a student, or a data enthusiast, mastering the column chart in Excel 2017 will greatly enhance your data analysis skills.

Tags

column chart, Excel 2017, data visualization, data analysis, chart customization, data labels, legends, titles, axes, gridlines, FAQ