Graph: Creating Graphs with Error Bars

ID: Q95002

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

In a graph, error bars are a set of vertical lines that connect predefined maximum and minimum values. These bars provide a graphical representation of where data points fall with respect to a set maximum and minimum. You can create graphs with error bars in Microsoft Graph version 3.0b by using the Combination Chart format.

NOTE: Microsoft Graph version 3.0b ships with Microsoft PowerPoint version 3.0

MORE INFORMATION

To create a graph with error bars in Microsoft Graph 3.0b, do the following: 

 1.  Select the Graph tool. (The cursor changes to a cross hair.)

 2. Drag a box on the slide that is the approximate size and shape you
    want your graph to be. (Microsoft Graph opens with its sample
    datasheet and graph.)

 3. From the Window menu, choose Datasheet.

 4. From the Edit menu, choose Select All.

 5. From the Edit menu, choose Clear.

 6. Select the Clear Data option button.

 7. Choose the OK button.

 8. From the DataSeries menu, choose Series in Column.

 9. Create three columns of data in the datasheet. The first column
    of data contains the actual data points to be plotted, the second
    column of data contains the minimum value, and the third column of
    data contains the maximum value. The second and third columns may
    contain a single value filled down throughout all rows of the plot
    area.

    NOTE: The first row of the datasheet (separated by a bold line from
    the data area) is used for DataSeries names (when series are plotted
    in columns). The first column (separated by a bold line from the data
    area) is used for tick mark labels.
10. From the Gallery menu, choose Combination, and then choose the 
    format number 1 in the Chart Gallery dialog box. Choose the OK
    button.
NOTE: Graph plots half the data series in the main graph and half in the overlay. If there is an odd number of series, Graph plots one series more in the main graph than in the overlay graph. In the datasheet, series included in the overlay graph are indicated by a white dot in the row or column heading.

11. Select the second data series (the second column of data).

12. From the DataSeries menu, choose Move to Overlay.

13. From the Format menu, choose Overlay.

14. In the Format Overlay dialog box, select the Hi-Lo Lines check 

    box.
15. Choose the OK button.

NOTE: The above procedure creates lines between the maximum values and the minimum values both horizontally and vertically.

To remove the horizontal lines between the maximum values and minimum values:

1. From the Window menu, choose Chart.

2. Select the series representing maximum values.

3. From the Format menu, choose Patterns.

4. Select the None option as the Line Style.

5. Choose the OK button.

6. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the series representing the minimum 

   values.
Additional query words: 3.00 error bars msgraph graph powerpoint macppt winppt 
Keywords          : kbole kbtool kbdta
Version           : windows:3.00b
Platform          : WINDOWS
Hardware          : x86
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: February 25, 1998