Here s a simple summary of the video on
line graphs from Excel Session 4:
Why Use Charts in Excel?
Tables with numbers are useful, but
charts help highlight:
Trends
Relationships
Patterns
Useful for managers who want quick,
visual insights without analyzing rows of
data.
What is a Line Graph?
A line graph shows changes over time.
Best when you re tracking progress
(e.g., student marks, monthly sales).
Example 1: Student Marks Line Graph
Data:
Students marks for Tutorials, Practicals,
Test 1, Test 2, and Exam
Each type of mark has a maximum (e.g.,
10 marks for tutorials)
Steps to Insert a Line Graph:
1. Click anywhere in the data table (e.g.,
C7)
2. Go to Insert tab Click Recommended
Charts
3. Choose Line under the All Charts tab
Click OK
Customizing the Chart:
Edit Chart Title:
Click on chart title
Use formula bar: =A1 (to link to cell A1)
Edit Legends (Data Series Names):
Click the chart Chart Design Select
Data
Click each series Edit Click the
appropriate heading cell (e.g., B2 =
Tutorials)
Resize or move chart by clicking and
dragging
Add Data Labels by clicking the plus sign
+ on the chart Check Data Labels
Example 2: Monthly Sales Line Graph
(Zone Bikes Worksheet)
Goal: Show total sales from January to
June using a line graph
Step-by-step:
1. List all months using =A4, =A10, etc. to
avoid spelling errors
2. Use the SUMIF function to calculate
monthly totals:
=SUMIF($A$4:$A$655, I3, $E$4:$E$655)
$A$4:$A$655 Range of months
I3 Criteria (e.g., January )
$E$4:$E$655 Range of sales values
3. Auto-fill the formula for all months (Jan
Jun)
4. Insert the Line Graph:
Select months + totals
Go to Insert Recommended Charts
All Charts Line OK
5. Link Chart Title to worksheet:
Click chart title Type =A1 Press Enter
Final Notes:
One dataset = no legend needed (e.g.,
only sales data)
Line graphs are ideal for spotting
upward/downward trends
Avoid typing month names manually use
cell references to prevent errors
Let me know if you want me to turn this into
a visual notes sheet or practice steps in
Excel!
