Excel: Graphing

Learning Target:
• I can create bar graphs & circle graphs using a spreadsheet application (Excel).

We sometimes need to read and interpret a large amount of data in order to gain a better understanding of what the data is telling us. Creating a graph is a great way to display data so that we can better understand it.

Part 1: Learn the Basics (with a Practice Activity)

1. Open Excel
2. Create a table with the following data
   Comparing the Percentage of Men and Women Who Go Online:
   
   Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/custom/2005/12/29/CU2005122900585.html
3. Select the table of a data (click & drag over it).
4. Use the Chart Wizard [Insert > Chart] to create a graph using the following options:
   • Step 1: Standard Types > Clustered Column > Next
   • Step 2: Data Range > Columns > Next
   • Step 3: Titles > (fill in the information under the tabs below) > Next
     • Chart Title > Percentage of Men and Women Who Go Online
     • Legend > check Show Legend
     • Data Labels > Show Value
   • Step 4: As Object in: Sheet 1 > Finish
5. Experiment with your graph. Try the following:
   • Drag the handles to change the size.
   • Hold-Click & Drag the entire graph to move it.
   • Double-click on the areas of the graph > experiment with the options and tools.
   • Right-click on the areas of the graph > experiment with the options and tools.
   • Single-click...wait...single-click > experiment with the options and tools.
   
   

Part 2: Create a Bar Graph

1. Download this election_06.xls.
(right-click > Download File or Save Link As),
and save it in your folder as graph student name.xls.


2. Make a double-bar graph like the sample for each of the political races.
   Format them to fit to one printed page.
   
   Advanced Tip: To select only the data you will need, first select the heading row, then hold down the Apple key, then select the data.



3. Remember to do a Print Preview before printing, then print.

Part 3: Create a Circle Graph

1. Using the same data as the election bar graph, make a circle graph comparing the percentage of Maryland votes that were cast for the Governor's race.
   
   Tip: It is not possible to do a double-circle graph so be sure to only use the data for Maryland.



2. Show the label & percent on the circle graph,
   and create the circle graph As a New Sheet.


3. Remember to do a Print Preview before printing, then print.

 

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