Beginner level · Module 2: Excel Analysis Functions and Charts · Lesson 3 of 3
Choosing and Building Charts
Pick charts that match the message and format them so managers read them correctly.
In this lesson you will
- Choose chart types for comparisons, trends and shares
- Format charts for clarity
Key concepts
column and bar chartsline chartsavoiding pie and 3-D clutterchart titles that state the finding
The lesson
Compare branches or products with sorted bar or column charts; show trends over months with line charts; show parts of a whole with a sorted bar chart rather than a crowded pie.
Give every chart a title that states the finding ('Wau grew fastest in Q1'), label axes with units, and start value axes at zero for bars.
Remove clutter: 3-D effects, heavy gridlines and unnecessary legends make charts harder to read.
Step by step
- Chart sales by branch as a sorted bar chart.
- Chart monthly sales as a line chart.
- Rewrite titles to state findings.
- Remove clutter.
Practice activity
Produce the three charts for the quarterly report.
Expected result: Clear, correct charts with finding-based titles.
Check your understanding
-
Which chart shows a trend over months best?
Show answer
A line chart.
-
What should a chart title say?
Show answer
The main finding.
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