Charts offer a quick and easy way of graphically illustrating trends within your data. One glance at a chart can make it very plain where there is a dip in sales figures, a surge in visitor numbers and a host of other trends in whatever data is being represented. In this article we will examine the various elements of an Excel chart.
The first requirement is a set of data which can easily be converted into a readable chart. It is normally best to plot data which is a summary of your information. It is also useful if your data is arranged in columns or rows with headings at the top of columns or on the left of rows.
An example of information which would be easy to convert into a chart is a selection containing two columns with data on the left and the corresponding values on the right. When the chart is created, the labels are placed on what is variously known as the category axis, horizontal axis or x axis; while values are arranged on the y axis. When your data is arranged in this format, the chart that Excel plots will not need much modification.
Charts may either be embedded or standalone. Embedded charts are created directly on the worksheet, often alongside the data being plotted. A stand-alone chart has an Excel sheet dedicated solely to the chart. This is known as a chart sheet; in contrast to a worksheet.
Whether embedded or standalone, the main components of the chart are always the same. First of all, you have a chart area. This is the background to the chart as a whole. Next, we have the plot area. This is the area where the graph or chart is actually plotted. Then, as we have seen, we have two or more axes. In a typical, "no frills" chart, there are two axes: the horizontal, or category, axis and the vertical, or value, axis.
Next, we have one or more series of data. In the example given above, where we select a column of labels and one column of values, there would be only one series of data. In a chart containing more than one series, it is necessary to clarify what each column represents. This is done by adding a legend to the chart. The legend acts as a key which tells us what each colour within the chart actually stands for.
As well as the text labels associated with the axes and with the legend, we can also have chart titles. As well as the main chart title, we also have the option of placing titles on the axes. Within the plot area, we can also choose to display grid lines. These make it easy to read the value associated with each point on the chart.
So, there we have the main elements within a chart. However, Excel allows you to customise each of these elements and add other elements which enable you to create charts which convey exactly the message you have in mind.
The first requirement is a set of data which can easily be converted into a readable chart. It is normally best to plot data which is a summary of your information. It is also useful if your data is arranged in columns or rows with headings at the top of columns or on the left of rows.
An example of information which would be easy to convert into a chart is a selection containing two columns with data on the left and the corresponding values on the right. When the chart is created, the labels are placed on what is variously known as the category axis, horizontal axis or x axis; while values are arranged on the y axis. When your data is arranged in this format, the chart that Excel plots will not need much modification.
Charts may either be embedded or standalone. Embedded charts are created directly on the worksheet, often alongside the data being plotted. A stand-alone chart has an Excel sheet dedicated solely to the chart. This is known as a chart sheet; in contrast to a worksheet.
Whether embedded or standalone, the main components of the chart are always the same. First of all, you have a chart area. This is the background to the chart as a whole. Next, we have the plot area. This is the area where the graph or chart is actually plotted. Then, as we have seen, we have two or more axes. In a typical, "no frills" chart, there are two axes: the horizontal, or category, axis and the vertical, or value, axis.
Next, we have one or more series of data. In the example given above, where we select a column of labels and one column of values, there would be only one series of data. In a chart containing more than one series, it is necessary to clarify what each column represents. This is done by adding a legend to the chart. The legend acts as a key which tells us what each colour within the chart actually stands for.
As well as the text labels associated with the axes and with the legend, we can also have chart titles. As well as the main chart title, we also have the option of placing titles on the axes. Within the plot area, we can also choose to display grid lines. These make it easy to read the value associated with each point on the chart.
So, there we have the main elements within a chart. However, Excel allows you to customise each of these elements and add other elements which enable you to create charts which convey exactly the message you have in mind.
About the Author:
If you would like to learn more about Excel VBA training courses, visit Macresource Computer Training, an independent computer training company offering Excel VBA training courses at their central London training centre.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét