Graphing with Excel

 

1.              START

2.              PROGRAMS

3.              EXCEL

a.   Enter data (only numbers) into cells (Column A represents the “X” axis and Column B represents the “Y” axis)

b.  Highlight cells that contain data.

c.   Go to tool bar and click the picture that looks like a graph (“Chart Wizard”)

d.  Choose “XY Scatter” and the graph w/ random plots

e.   NEXT g  Series in Columns

f.     NEXT g TITLE Tab (fill in all appropriate information)  

                 GRIDLINES Tab (Is it best to have major or 

                 minor gridlines for the data?)

g.  NEXT g   “Show as NEW sheet”

h.  FINISH

i.     Go to tool bar down to “Add Trendline”

1.       Type of trendline depends upon data (usually linear)

2.       While in “Add Trendline”, click on OPTIONS Tab and check the bottom two boxes:  Display Equation and Display Regression Value

j.     Double click someplace in “PLOT AREA” and make the

Area color white rather than gray.

 

NOTE:  If anything needs to be changed, go to Toolbar / Chart / Chart Options or double click on the area in graph needing the change.

 

2nd NOTE:  Does your graph contain:

·       Appropriate title?

·       Labeled axes w/ correct units?

·       Best fit line / curve?

·       Slope equation and regression value?

·       Appropriately numbered axes?

·       Name, period?