Mastering Excel Charts Types: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore Excel charts type and learn to pick the right one. Our guide offers detailed creation instructions.

Dynamic Date Example

by Mihir Kamdar / Last Updated:

excel chart

What You'll Learn In This Guide

This comprehensive guide on mastering Excel chart types. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to:

Download File

Download our step-by-step tutorial file now by clicking on the icon  download icon 1  below and follow along to enhance your Excel skills practically and efficiently!

Introduction

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.

A clustered column chart is ideal for comparing multiple categories of data side by side, making it easy to visualize differences between them. The clustered column chart allows you to display multiple data series for each category, which is perfect for analyzing trends. A scatter chart is useful for showing the relationship between two variables, especially when you want to observe correlations or patterns. The surface chart is great for visualizing three-dimensional data and understanding the relationships between data points across two categories. A bubble chart is similar to a scatter chart but adds a third dimension by representing data points with bubbles of varying sizes. Lastly, a stacked area chart is effective for showing how different data series contribute to the total over time or across categories.

How To Make Charts in Excel

Creating a how to make a graph is a simple yet powerful way to represent data visually. Understanding graphs and charts allows users to communicate complex information in an easily understandable format. If you’re unsure how to make a chart in des, it’s important to know that Excel offers numerous tools to help. When you combine excel and charts, you open up possibilities for various data visualizations. One way to start is by learning how to generate chart in excel, which is a crucial skill for any data-driven task. Excel graphs are versatile and can present data in multiple forms, from bar charts to line graphs. If you’re wondering how to do graphs in excel, all it takes is selecting your data and choosing a chart type. Excel graphing offers powerful tools to transform raw data into meaningful insights.

If you’re looking for specific instructions on how to graph data in excel, it’s easy to follow the steps once you’re familiar with the interface. Making a graph in excel starts with selecting the data you want to visualize, followed by choosing the right chart type. For those wondering how to create a chart with excel, simply highlight your data and use Excel’s chart feature. Once you know how to plot data in excel, you can create clear visualizations that tell a story. If you’re focused on how to make a graph in excel with data, it’s important to choose the chart that best represents your data. If you’re asking how do you graph in excel, the answer lies in the basic steps of selecting data and choosing your desired chart style.

To make specialized graphs, like a funnel diagram excel, you can customize your charts further. When learning how to plot a graph excel, it’s important to understand the different types of graphs available. Excel how to chart data is a great skill to have when working with complex data sets. You can even explore advanced techniques on how to create a diagram in excel to make your charts more dynamic. For users who need to focus on bar charts, knowing how to make bar graph on excel or how do i do a bar graph in excel will allow you to represent data categories effectively.

1. Understanding the Different Types of Excel Charts

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:

1.1. Column Chart

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.

how to make a chart in des

Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.

how to create an excel line graph

Add the chart and axis title.

how to add data on excel graph

Select the Product 1 column and change the color to red.

how to do an excel graph

Select the Product 2 column and change the color to grey.

how to make graph in word

Below is the cluster column chart.

how to make a simple graph in excel

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.

how to make a graph in excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.2. Bar Chart

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.

how do you make a graph using excel

Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.

creating a graph from data in excel

Add the chart and axis title.

making a graph in excel

Select the Product 1 bar and change the color to red.

create a chart from excel data

Select the Product 2 bar and change the color to grey.

how to make a graph in excel with data

Below is the cluster bar chart.

create a graph from excel data

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.

how to make a graph with data
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.3. Line Chart

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.

how to create graph in excel with data

Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.

how to make a graph from a pivot table

Add the chart and axis title.

how to create graph from table in excel

Select the Product 1 line and change the color to red.

 

how to create excel graph

Select the Product 2 line and change the color to grey.

excel charts line chart color 2

Below is the simple line chart.

how to add data to an excel chart
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.4. Pie/Doughnut 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.

how to create a dynamic graph in excel

Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.

how do i do a bar graph in excel

Below is a pie chart.

 

how do make a graph on excel

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.

how to do graphs in excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.5. XY Scatter Plot Chart

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.

how do you graph in excel

Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.

how to draw charts in excel

Add the chart and axis title. Your chart is ready.

how to plot a graph on excel

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.

how to graph data in excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.6. Area Chart

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.

how can we make graph in excel

Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.

excel how to create graphs

Add the chart and axis title. Your chart is ready.

how to plot graph in excel

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.

how to plot x and y in excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.7. Radar Chart

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.

how do you make graphs on the computer

Add the chart and axis title. Your chart is ready.

how to make an excel chart from data

Click on the duplicate chart > Go to Change Chart Type > All Charts > Radar > Select based on your preference.

how to make graph in spreadsheet
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.8. Stock Chart

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.

how to make graph from pivot table

You can customize it based on your need.

how do you draw a graph in excel

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.

excel turn data into graph
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.9. Histogram 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.

how to make bar graph on excel

Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.

excel charts histogram chart elements

Add the chart title and your chart is ready.

how to make bar graph on excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.10. Pareto Chart

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.

how do you put data into a graph on excel

Select all the options in the plus sign and tick mark chart elements based on the below screenshot.

how to plot data in excel

Add the chart & axis title, and your chart is ready.

how to plot data in excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.11. Waterfall Chart

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.

how do you make a line graph on microsoft excel

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.

how do you make a line graph on microsoft excel

Add the chart & axis title, and your chart is ready.

how do you make a line graph on microsoft excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.12. Box & Whisker Chart

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.

how to convert data into a graph in excel

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.

how to convert data into a graph in excel

Add the chart & axis title, and your chart is ready.

how to convert data into a graph in excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.13. Treemap Chart

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.

excel charts treemap chart

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.

how to create a diagram in excel

Add the chart title, and your chart is ready.

how to create a diagram in excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

1.14. Map Chart

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.

excel charts map chart

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.

 

how to create a diagram in excel

Add the chart title, and your chart is ready.

how to create a diagram in excel
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

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.

how to create excel graph from data

2. Best Practices for Using Excel Chart Types

To create effective and visually appealing charts in Excel, follow these best practices:

1. Keep It Simple and Uncluttered

  • Remove unnecessary chart elements like gridlines, borders, or data markers
  • Use clear and concise titles and labels to convey the chart’s message
  • Avoid using too many colors or patterns that can distract from the data
how to create excel graph from data

2. Choose Appropriate Colors and Styles

  • Use color schemes that are easy to distinguish and interpret
  • Ensure sufficient contrast between the background and foreground elements
  • Follow your brand guidelines or presentation theme for consistency
how to create excel graph from data

3. Tell a Story with Your Data

  • Focus on the key insights or trends you want to communicate
  • Use annotations or data labels to highlight important points
  • Arrange your data and chart elements in a logical and meaningful way
how to create excel graph from data

4. Test Your Charts with Different Audiences

  • Share your charts with colleagues or stakeholders for feedback
  • Ensure your charts are easily understandable and convey the intended message
  • Iterate and refine your charts based on the feedback received
how to create excel graph from data
Excel: Free EBook​
Download Excel Charts & Dashboards Master Kit for Free

What are the 4 types of charts in Excel?

While Excel offers many chart types, four commonly used types are:

1. Column charts

2. Line charts

3. Pie charts

4. Bar charts

How many chart types are available in Excel?

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.

How do I create different types of charts in Excel?

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

What are the different types of graphs and creating graphs in Microsoft Excel?

Excel offers various types of graphs (charts) that can be created, including:

  • Column charts

  • Line charts

  • Pie charts

  • Bar charts

  • Area charts

  • Scatter (XY) charts

  • Stock charts

  • Surface charts

  • Radar charts

  • Treemap charts

  • Sunburst charts

  • Histogram charts

  • Box & Whisker charts

  • Waterfall charts

  • Funnel charts

  • Combo (Combination) charts

How do you use different types of charts?

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:

  • Column and Bar charts are used to compare values across categories

  • Line charts display trends or changes over time

  • Pie charts show the proportion of each category relative to the whole

  • Scatter charts illustrate the relationship between two variables

  • Area charts emphasize the magnitude of change over time

  • Stock charts track financial data or stock prices over time

What are the 16 types of chart in Excel?

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)

What are two common types of charts used in Excel?

Two of the most common types of charts used in Excel are:

1. Column charts

2. Line charts

What are 3 main types of charts used to explain data?

Three main types of charts commonly used to explain data are:

1. Column charts

2. Line charts

3. Pie charts

Which type of chart will be most effective?

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:

  • The type of data you have (numerical, categorical, time-series, etc.)

  • The relationship between variables (comparison, distribution, composition, trend, etc.)

  • The purpose of your visualization (to analyze, communicate, or persuade)

  • The level of detail and complexity your audience can understand Choose a chart type that effectively represents your data, highlights the key insights, and is easily interpretable by your intended audience.

Conclusion

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:

  • Understand the different types of charts available in Excel.
  • Identify the best chart type for your specific data and purpose.
  • Create various chart types in Excel using a step-by-step approach.
  • Customize and format your charts to enhance readability and visual appeal.
  • Apply best practices for effective data visualization in Excel.

 

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.

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email

Office Tech Skill is a premier educational platform focused on Microsoft Office, providing professionals with the tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

© 2025 Office Tech Skill. All rights reserved