Microsoft Office · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 4: Spreadsheet Basics in Excel · Lesson 3 of 3

Charts and Printing Spreadsheets

Turn data into a simple chart and print or export a spreadsheet that fits the page.

In this lesson you will

  • Create and label a column or pie chart
  • Set print area, orientation and fit to page

Key concepts

chart typechart title and labelsprint areafit to page

The lesson

Charts turn numbers into pictures that people understand quickly. Column charts compare categories, line charts show change over time and pie charts show parts of a whole (use them only for a few categories).

Every chart needs a clear title, labelled axes and units such as SSP. Remove decoration that does not help the reader.

Spreadsheets often print badly. Use Page Layout to set orientation, fit the sheet to one page wide and set a print area. Always print-preview or export to PDF first.

Step by step

  1. Select the categories and totals and insert a column chart.
  2. Add a chart title and axis titles with units.
  3. Set the print area and fit to one page.
  4. Export the sheet to PDF and check it.

Practice activity

Add a labelled chart of expenses by category to your budget and export the sheet to a one-page PDF.

Expected result: A one-page PDF with the table and a labelled chart.

Check your understanding

  1. When is a pie chart a poor choice?

    Show answer

    When there are many categories or the values are not parts of one whole.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.