Constructing a Graph using Excel

Introduction: this lesson teach students how to enter and format data to
create simple Excel charts and graphs.
Spreadsheets consist of ROWS and COLUMNS. ROWS are numbered and COLUMNS are
named using letters. The intersection of a ROW and COLUMN is called a CELL and is named
using the COLUMN and then ROW. So CELL B6 is the square where COLUMN B and ROW 6
intersect. If you click on CELL B6- it is highlighted and you can type in it. When you type the
text appears in the FORMULA BAR above.
If you need to HIHGHLIGHT anything in spreadsheets you do the same as for word- start at
the beginning of what you want to highlight and keep pressure on while you DRAG over
what you want highlighted. You can BOLD, ITALIC, UNDERLINE etc. - just like in word.

Getting Started:

Start Excel

Your screen should look like this

MENU BAR

CELL

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Any commands from the FILE menu
will follow this window. i.e. “Save as,”
“Print,” and “New” are all possible
commands that will drop down from this menu bar

NOTE: At any time, if you need to undo your last

operation,
choose UNDO from the EDIT menu

Step 1. Input of Data.

We must first enter all given data into the cells of the Excel spreadsheet.
a- Insert the title into the highlighted cell, A1.
b- Click in the cell, A2, and enter your first number.
c- Press Enter on your keyboard. This will take you to the next cell down, A2, where you
will enter your second piece of data.
d- After you have entered all the data for column A, Use your mouse to click in the cell
B1. You will enter your second set of data here. Follow the same steps to enter the pieces
of data.

Step 2: Create your chart

After you have created your spreadsheet, you are ready to create your chart.
a- Select (highlight) all data in columns A and B (not the title) and drag the shaded
region to where you want it. You must highlight all the cells containing the data you want
in your chart.

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 b- Go to the Excel menu at the top of the screen and select Insert. Click on Chart
c- Select column chart, choose 2 D column.
d- Click the chart and then choose “chart tools” on the ribbon.

e- Go to the left hand side and choose Add Chart Elements to add chart title and axis
titles.

f. Save your work when you finish

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Summary
1. Type your title in Cell B1, then -Enter-.
2. Add the first set of data in Column A.
3. Add the other data in Column B.
4. Select (highlight) all data in columns A and B.
5. On the Insert menu tab select column chart, choose 2 D column.
6. Click the chart and then choose “chart tools” on the ribbon.
7. Go to the left hand side and choose Add Chart Elements to add chart title and axis
titles.
8. Save your work when you finish.