Each subsequent column or row should represent the independent variables being measured, with their cells containing the respective values. The main difference between a single and a multiple line graph in Excel is that the source data for multiple line graphs is made up of several variables, and several data points for each variable.Īs with single line graphs, the first column or row should be made up of the time intervals.
#How to plot a graph in excel mac how to#
How to make a multiple line graph in Excel In the example below, we selected the 2-D Line with markers.Ĭongratulations! You just created a single line graph. 2-D and 3-D area charts are also considered types of line charts, where the area below the line is shaded to highlight the volume of change over time. There are a few options for single line graphs, including 2-D Line, 2-D Line with markers, and 3-D Line. It’s a good starting point if you’re not sure what type of chart options will work best with your data. Hovering over each icon gives a preview of what your chart would look like with each recommended option. Excel determines this by looking at your data selection and the type of chart that will most likely produce the best results.
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Excel takes some of the guesswork out of choosing the right graph with its Recommended Charts option. If the two columns being used as your source data are non-contiguous, select only what you need by holding down the Control key between selections.Ĭhoose a chart from the Insert tab. Step 3 - Highlight data and 'Insert' your desired chart
A bar or column graph would have been better suited here. But your audience will most likely be confused because their eyes are expecting the graph to tell a different kind of story.įor example, the above chart is a poor choice to depict this type of data. So if you try to depict employees’ sales figures for one moment in time using a single-line graph where employees’ names are the X-axis values, the line will be plotted. Psychologically, we tend to associate linear images with time. Remember that line graphs are especially useful for showing trends over time. Step 2 - Ensure that a line graph is the right chart for your data type The variable being measured (for example - items sold, daily rainfall, average income, etc.) should be listed next. This will appear on the X-axis of the graph. Whether data is entered in row or column format, the time intervals (days/months/years, etc.) should be listed first. Here’s how to make a line graph where each category has only one numeric value: Step 1 - Enter and format source dataĪ single line graph means that only one independent variable is being measured or tracked across multiple time intervals.
Making a line graph in Excel starts with the basic steps of making any other chart. On a line graph, the numerical value is always placed on the Y (vertical) axis, while the categories (e.g., days, months, years) are placed on the X (horizontal) axis. The chart plots the intersection of x and y numerical values into single data points. However, the way each of these charts plots data along the X and Y axes is very different.Ī scatter chart always has numerical data on both axes, with the objective of determining a relationship between the two variables. Scatter charts and line graphs are not the same! They may look very similar, especially when a scatter chart is displayed with connecting lines. Differences between scatter charts and line graphsīefore we really get into it, let’s make sure we are all on the same page.
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