How to create a spreadsheet chart

Every step

1. 1

   Prepare your data

   Arrange your data in columns, such as: Months in column A (Jan, Feb, Mar) and Sales in column B (200, 250, 300). For example, make A1: Month, B1: Sales, and fill A2:A4 with Jan–Mar, B2:B4 with 200, 250, 300.

   CHECKPOINT · Data table with at least two rows ready
2. 2

   Select the data range

   Highlight the data, including headers, for your chart. Click and drag from A1 to B4. This ensures the chart includes all months and sales amounts.

   CHECKPOINT · Data range for chart is highlighted
3. 3

   Choose a chart type

   With the range selected, go to your software’s Insert menu and pick a chart type. For sales data over several months, choose a column or line chart. In Excel or Sheets, select 'Insert Chart', then 'Line Chart' as an example.

   CHECKPOINT · Chart appears above or next to your data
4. 4

   Customize the chart

   Edit the chart title to '2024 Sales by Month.' Ensure axis labels show correct values. For our example, months appear on the X-axis and sales amounts on the Y-axis. Adjust colors if desired for clarity.

   CHECKPOINT · Chart shows correct titles and labels
5. 5

   Check the chart against your data

   Compare chart bars/points: Jan (200), Feb (250), Mar (300). Make sure the visual matches the actual data. Any mismatch may mean you highlighted the wrong cells or left out values.

   CHECKPOINT · Chart points or bars exactly match your sample numbers