Explore Excel charts type and learn to pick the right one. Our guide offers detailed creation instructions.
by Mihir Kamdar / Last Updated:
This comprehensive guide on mastering Excel chart types. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to:
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Data visualization is a crucial skill in today’s data-driven world, and Microsoft Excel is one of the most powerful tools for creating compelling charts and graphs. With a wide array of chart types available, it’s essential to understand which one to use for your specific data and message. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various chart types in Excel, factors to consider when choosing a chart type, and step-by-step instructions on creating and customizing them. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to create visually appealing and informative charts that effectively communicate your insights.
Excel provides a diverse range of chart types to suit various data sets and visualization goals. Let’s dive into some of the most commonly used chart types:
Column charts are drawn with rectangular bars of various lengths, representing different values.
There are different types of column charts: cluster, stacked, and 100% of stacked column chart. Cluster column charts use color to differentiate the columns, whereas stacked column charts use varying thicknesses or colors for each column.
The presented data determine the selection of a column chart type.
When to use a column chart?
Column charts are an effective means of displaying data variations over a period or comparing various elements. Typically, the categories are placed on one axis and the data values on another, allowing for clear visualization of changes or updates with each comparison point in the narrative.
Select the data > Go to Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Column > Cluster Column or any other column chart.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.
Add the chart and axis title.
Select the Product 1 column and change the color to red.
Select the Product 2 column and change the color to grey.
Below is the cluster column chart.
A cluster column chart can be duplicated and pasted twice to create a stacked column and 100% cluster column chart, allowing for comparing the different chart styles.
Click on the chart à Go to Change Chart Type à All Charts à Column à Select stacked column or 100% stacked column.
All charts can be compared to determine the most suitable use case.
A bar chart is drawn with rectangular bars of various lengths representing different values. It is often used to compare two or more discrete values. The size of the rectangle relates to the magnitude of the value it represents, so taller bars indicate greater values than shorter ones.
There are different types of bar charts: cluster, a stacked area chart, and 100% stacked bar charts. Bar charts use color to differentiate the bar, whereas stacked bar charts use varying thicknesses or colors for each bar.
The data being presented determines the selection of a bar chart type.
When to use a bar chart?
A bar chart helps compare the number of users across different groups, such as the percentage of users from one region to another. In addition, it allows for easy identification of common and uncommon data trends, making it simple for users to see how their data relates to others.
Select the data > Go to Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Bar > Cluster Bar or any other bar chart.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.
Add the chart and axis title.
Select the Product 1 bar and change the color to red.
Select the Product 2 bar and change the color to grey.
Below is the cluster bar chart.
A cluster bar chart can be duplicated and pasted twice to create a stacked and 100% cluster bar chart, allowing for comparing the different clustered bar chart and styles.
Click on the chart > Go to Change Chart Type > All Charts > Bar > Select stacked bar or 100% stacked bar.
All charts can be compared to determine the most suitable use case.
A line chart is also known as a time series chart. Line charts are a type of chart that expresses information as a series of data points. Line charts are good for showing how something has changed or comparing two different things.
There are different line charts: line, stacked, and 100% stacked, line with marker, stacked line with marker, and 100% stacked line with marker chart.
When to use a line chart?
Line charts are an appropriate option when a few quantities need to be compared over a period and when comparing values between different groups.
You can look at different chart types by Selecting the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Line > Line or any other line chart.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.
Add the chart and axis title.
Select the Product 1 line and change the color to red.
Select the Product 2 line and change the color to grey.
Below is the simple line chart.
Pie charts are typically used to show the proportional contribution of each component to an overall total. The pie chart is a variation of the circle graph or pie graph, also known as a circle chart, where each slice is drawn as a circle segment based on the angle swept out by its radius to the center point.
Pie charts are used in finance and statistics fields, certain types of reports (such as progress reports), and graphic displays with limited space for text. They are often thought to be difficult to read by humans because our eyes do not naturally follow an arc. Still, they can be read more efficiently if given some landmarks (pie wedges labeled with their respective values).
When to use a pie chart?
Pie charts are best for using the percentages of each data point and showing comparative data. The pie chart is best used with five or fewer data points.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Pie > Pie or any other pie chart you want.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.
Below is a pie chart.
A duplicate of a pie chart can be created by copying and pasting it, then converting it into a doughnut chart for comparison.
Click on the duplicate chart > Go to Change Chart Type > All Charts > Pie > Doughnut.
All charts can be compared to determine the most suitable use case.
A scatter plot is a graph that shows an association between two variables. For example, when this graph is called an XY chart, you can see the relationship between two variables on one graph, where one variable can be plotted on the x-axis and the other on the y-axis.
The scatter plot can show whether there is a correlation between two variables. It also shows how strong that correlation might be, making it easier for readers to understand what they are looking at.
When to use an XY chart?
An XY chart’s most common use case is a scatterplot with two variables, but it can also display relationships among more than two variables.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > XY Scatter > Scatter with Smooth Lines and Markers or any other chart based on your preference.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.
Add the chart and axis title. Your chart is ready.
You can experiment with other XY charts by creating a duplicate chart.
Click on the duplicate chart > Go to Change Chart Type > All Charts > XY Scatter > Select based on your preference.
An area chart is created by plotting data on the vertical (y) axis and the category on the horizontal (x) axis. The total area under an area graph can be calculated by adding up all the areas under each rectangle stacked above each other. The height of each rectangle corresponds to its relative value or frequency about different rectangles or bars stacked below it.
It is a graphical depiction of the number or frequency of observations in different categories.
When should you use an area chart?
Area charts effectively demonstrate information changes over time, such as consumption, production, revenue, etc. For example, they are suitable for visualizing trends and how consumption for various brands has evolved over a year.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Area > Stacked Area or any other chart based on your preference.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.
Add the chart and axis title. Your chart is ready.
You can experiment with other Area charts by creating a duplicate chart.
Click on the duplicate chart à Go to Change Chart Type > All Charts > Area > Select based on your preference.
A radar chart diagram can simultaneously visualize three or more data sets. It is typically used to compare qualitative data (i.e., opinions) but can also be used for quantitative, data series (i.e., number of occurrences). The radar chart may seem intimidating, but it is straightforward to use!
When to use a radar chart?
Radar charts are best used to show multiple time series or different dimensions on the same chart.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Radar > Radar with Marker or any other chart based on your preference.
Add the chart and axis title. Your chart is ready.
Click on the duplicate chart > Go to Change Chart Type > All Charts > Radar > Select based on your preference.
A stock chart is a visual representation of historical data. It helps to get a quick overview of what has happened and identify patterns and trends.
Stock charts are handy for investors who want to know how their assets perform. They can help them make better financial decisions and react quickly when the market shifts.
When to use a stock chart in excel?
There are various reasons to utilize a stock chart in Excel, such as tracking the performance of investments and the stock market, identifying trend lines, and determining support and resistance levels. Utilizing a stock chart can aid in making informed decisions.
Select the columns based on the Excel stock chart > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Stock > High-Low-Close.
You can customize it based on your need.
Try to create other stock charts using the provided data or create variations of the same graph but change the chart elements. Below is an example of another stock chart.
A histogram chart is a graphical representation of the breakdowns of a data set into different categories. A histogram chart is a graph that displays the frequency distribution of data, typically split into categories. For example, it can show how different sets are distributed in frequency.
When to use a histogram chart?
Histograms are a great way to see the distribution of values when you have continuous measurements. They place your data into ranges or bins, each container representing counts / percentages for all observed cases within its scope.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Histogram > Histogram.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.
Add the chart title and your chart is ready.
Pareto Chart is a graphical representation of the 80-20 principle. It plots the cumulative percentage of events or outcomes found on a vertical axis and the frequency or rate of those events on a horizontal axis. A Pareto Chart is a great way to understand what matters most in a given category.
It is an easy-to-understand chart that people can use to identify and prioritize their efforts or decide what they want to focus on to achieve better results. It helps determine where to put most of your time and resources by looking at your top priorities.
When to use the pareto chart?
Use the Pareto chart to assign data into categories and rank based on categories.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Histogram > Pareto.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.
Add the chart & axis title, and your chart is ready.
A waterfall chart is a type of chart that shows how various levels of one or more variables stack up against each other. It is also known as a hierarchical bar graph because it depicts multiple data series in a “waterfall” or hierarchical form.
For example, waterfall charts are used by companies to show cash flow during a financial year. The chart is divided into months, with each waterfall chart showing the available funds for that month.
When to use a waterfall chart?
The waterfall chart is designed to show the gradual transition in quantitative values. Analysts mainly use it to understand or explain how something changes over time with an increment or decrement.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Waterfall > Waterfall.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot. Change the chart’s color to reflect increments as green and decrements as red.
Add the chart & axis title, and your chart is ready.
The Box and Whisker, a box and whisker plot or boxplot, represents the data distribution.
Vertical Line – Above and below boxes represent the maximum and minimum values.
Box – It shows values between the 25th through the 75th percentile.
Horizontal Line – 50th percentile (median).
X – Average.
When to use the box and whisker chart?
Box and whisker charts are used to visualize the distribution of data. They are commonly used in statistics, education, business, and engineering.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Box & Whisker > Box & Whisker.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot. Change the chart’s color so that the horizontal and X sign stand out.
Add the chart & axis title, and your chart is ready.
A treemap chart is a way to visualize hierarchical data. For example, it is often used to display the proportion of different values in a dataset. Treemap can be drawn as squares or rectangles and nested within one another to provide greater detail – i.e., more extensive and smaller rectangles can be drawn inside one another.
When to use a treemap chart?
Treemap provides a quick and easy way to summarize large amounts of hierarchical data. The dimensions are configured when plotting nodes based on numerical values assigned per node. This makes identifying trends between all categories much more straightforward in comparing one type with another or even among different groups within its leaf/branch hierarchy.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Treemap > Treemap.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot. Change the placement of the legend and add the revenue label inside the chart.
Add the chart title, and your chart is ready.
Map charts are a visual representation of data in a geographic context. They help display data comparisons between regions and the distribution of points across the globe.
When to use a map chart?
Map charts provide visual representations for data on geographical regions that are challenging to understand with other data table formats. Map charts can show anything from demographics, comparative statistics, or any other data type that would be difficult to see in table form. Map charts are also accessible for viewers to read and understand because they give clear and concise information.
Select the data > Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Map > Map.
Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot. Change the chart’s style and color so the country can be seen properly.
Add the chart title, and your chart is ready.
The recommended charts feature in Excel is a function that allows users to automatically generate additional types of charts that are not available in the ribbon.
This feature generates and displays a list of recommended charts and graphs based on your data selection. The list is displayed under Insert > Recommended Charts.
Upon selection of inputs, charts will be generated one after the other and appear at the top of the relevant tab. This mode also extends, allowing for specific cell-level applications.
To create effective and visually appealing charts in Excel, follow these best practices:
1. Keep It Simple and Uncluttered
2. Choose Appropriate Colors and Styles
3. Tell a Story with Your Data
4. Test Your Charts with Different Audiences
While Excel offers many chart types, four commonly used types are:
1. Column charts
2. Line charts
3. Pie charts
4. Bar charts
Excel offers a wide variety of chart types, with 16 main categories and several subtypes within each category, providing users with numerous options to visualize their data effectively.
To create different types of charts in Excel:
1. Select the data range, including headers
2. Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon
3. In the Charts group, click on the desired chart type (e.g., Column, Line, Pie, etc.)
4. Choose the specific chart subtype that best suits your data and purpose
5. Customize the chart elements, such as titles, labels, colors, and formatting, to enhance readability and visual appeal
Excel offers various types of graphs (charts) that can be created, including:
Different types of charts are used to visualize data in various ways, depending on the nature of the data and the message you want to convey. For example:
Excel offers 16 main chart types:
1. Column
2. Line
3. Pie
4. Bar
5. Area
6. X Y (Scatter)
7. Stock
8. Surface
9. Radar
10. Treemap
11. Sunburst
12. Histogram
13. Box & Whisker
14. Waterfall
15. Funnel
16. Combo (Combination)
Two of the most common types of charts used in Excel are:
1. Column charts
2. Line charts
Three main types of charts commonly used to explain data are:
1. Column charts
2. Line charts
3. Pie charts
The most effective type of chart depends on the nature of your data, the message you want to convey, and your target audience. Consider the following factors when selecting a chart type:
Excel offers a wide range of chart types to help you visualize your data effectively. By understanding the purpose and characteristics of each chart type, you can choose the most appropriate one for your specific data and message.
You’ve learned how to:
Applying the knowledge and techniques covered in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to create compelling and informative charts that drive data-driven decision-making.
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