Excel: How to Create an XY Chart

Last reviewed: October 18, 1994
Article ID: Q27414

SUMMARY

There are two methods for creating an xy chart in Microsoft Excel. In Excel version 3.0, either Method 1 or Method 2 (below) will work. If you are using a version of Excel before 3.0, you must use Method 2.

Method 1

  1. Highlight all the columns and rows containing data (where the first column or row contains the x-values).

  2. From the File menu, choose New and select Chart, then click OK, or select the Chart tool from the Tool Bar and draw the chart on the worksheet.

  3. In the resulting dialog box, select X-Values For XY-Chart, and click OK.

Method 2

  1. Arrange data in a worksheet so that the first column contains x-values and the second and subsequent columns contain y-values.

  2. Highlight all the columns containing data.

  3. From the Edit menu, choose Copy.

  4. From the File menu, choose New and select Chart. A blank chart will appear on the screen.

  5. From the Edit menu, choose Paste Special.

  6. Select the options for Values In Columns and Categories In First Column. (If the first row of the selection contains the series names, also check the Series Names In First Row option.)

  7. From the Gallery menu, choose Scatter and select the type of scatter chart desired.

This procedure can also be used with data arranged in rows rather than in columns. In this case, specify Values In Rows and Categories In First Row in step 6.


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Last reviewed: October 18, 1994
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