Charts

• I believe that this is a very important section of this class.
• Please explore "around" the items demonstrated in the hands on exercises.
  • I will sometimes ask for a different type of chart or different option from what you have been shown.
  • Charts are used to communicate data so often that understanding charts is a critical skill.
  • Charts are so easy to create in Excel that most presentations now include charts and data.
  • Creating a proper chart can provide insight into the data
  • Creating a proper chart can improve the quality of presentation, both oral and written.
  • Creating a proper chart can make complex data understandable.
• Charts should
  • Always be labeled
    • An appropriate title
    • Axis labels
    • Data point labels if necessary
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  • Charts missing basic labeling details are subject to substantial point loss on tests and homework assignments.
• Organizing your data for charts
  • Make sure data labels are good, these will be used in axis label generation
  • Make sure all data is in the same units.
• Selecting a chart type is important
  • This has a strong effect on how the data is presented.
  • And how the readers will understand the data.
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  • You should be the "correct" type of chart
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  • And what users "expect"
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  • Different charts are useful in different situations.
  • Page 508 discusses standard charts somewhat.
  • Page 517 presents some of the more esoteric charts.
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  • And excel will recommend types of charts too.
• Generally we do not include totals or subtotals.
• Basic chart creation
  • Select the data ranges
    • Use click if needed.
    • Make sure you select column headings.
  • On the Insert tab, select either the type, or Recommended Charts
  • Insert the chart.
• Section two discusses how charts can be modified
  • Page 525 presents some of these options.
  • The Quick Layout drop down on the Chart Tools Design tab is helpful.
  • So is Add Chart Element
  • As is the Chart Elements button attached to the right of a chart.
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  • The Chart Styles box is helpful too?
• Charts can also be included in the data
  • I don't like this as well, it adds confusion in my opinion.
  • It needs a data series.
  • And will draw a "chart" in a cell.