Create a data table in your spreadsheet program of two or more columns. Label the columns with the appropriate headings and type the corresponding data under each heading. For example, if you wish to chart the amount of revenue over time, the first column may comprise each year and the second column may comprise the revenue per each corresponding year.
Click and drag your mouse over the entire data table, including the headings, to highlight the entire data set.
Drag your mouse up to the menu at the top of the spreadsheet page and click on the menu option "Insert"; click on "Chart," which is in the Insert tab's drop-down menu. This action will initiate the chart wizard.
Select the appropriate chart type, such as a line, bar or pie chart. According to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, each chart type serves a purpose. For example, a bar chart serves to compare the data of several different components, whereas, a line chart demonstrates the relationship between two variables.
Click on the chart subtype you desire, which allows you to select a 2-D, 3-D or other option, and then click on "Next."
Double-check to ensure that you highlighted the appropriate data. If you highlighted the wrong data, click on the "Data Range" tab, put your cursor in the "Data Range" box and re-highlight the appropriate data on the spreadsheet. Then, click "Next."
Type in the chart title, the x-axis name and the y-axis name in the appropriate fields; these fields are found within the Titles tabs. Click on the other tabs if you wish to hide or show grid lines, create or disguise a legend, and include or hide data labels within the chart or the original data table. Each of these actions involves checking or unchecking boxes. Then, click "Next."
Save your graph or chart. Click on the circle for "As New Sheet" if you wish to save it on a new tab within the Excel file already open or click on "As Object In" to save it on the same spreadsheet page as your original data table.