Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Creating a Chart.
When you create a chart using Excel, the value within each cell that is being charted is converted to a datapoint, which is at the intersection of the X and Y axes for two-dimensional charts or the X, Y, and Z axes for three-dimensional charts. This datapoint can be expressed in any number of chart styles, including bars, columns, lines, and pie wedges.
The easiest way to create a chart is to use the tools on the Insert tab of the ribbon, in this manner:
That's it; your chart is inserted in your worksheet and Excel adds three more tabs to the ribbon: Design, Layout, and Format. These tabs are available whenever you select the chart you just created. You can use the tools on these three tabs to change the way your chart appears.
If you want to make a chart even quicker, and you want to leave the details to Excel, all you need to do is perform step 1 and then press F11. After that, you can modify any specifics of the chart that you desire.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7928) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Creating a Chart.
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2013-04-06 16:37:36
Tony
How do I create a chart in a way to ensure I can perpetually add new data to it? Some of my charts automatically extend themselves when I add new data, while others don't and I have to edit the range to include the new extra lines of information.
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: 
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