Put your numerical data for the graph into the spreadsheet.
Here, our data consists of the (x,y) points (1,3), (2,6),
(3,9), and (4,12). Notice above that the x-coordinates
are placed in the first column, and the y-coordinates are
placed in the second column.
Excel assumes this unless
you tell it otherwise, when you get to the Chart Wizard.
Select the data you wish to include in the chart.
Place the mouse over the cell in the upper left hand
corner of the data you wish to select. In the above
example, this would be the cell with the 1 value.
Click the mouse and hold.
Drag the mouse the cell in the lower right hand corner
of the data you wish to select. In the above example,
this would be the cell with the 12 value.
Let go of the mouse button. The data you choose
should now be highlighted.
Click on the "Chart Wizard" icon, shown above (the blank
wand and the four blue vertical bars).
A square will appear.
Think where you want to place the graph that you build.
Click the mouse at the upper left corner where you want
the graph to appear, and hold the mouse button down.
Slide the mouse down to where you want the lower right
corner of the graph. As you slide the mouse, you will see
a square grow. This square will become the graph when you
have finished the five steps of the Chart Wizard.
Release the mouse button.
At this point Step 1 of 5 for the Chart Wizard appears.
Below,
the data is shown in two columns, the first for the
x data, and the second for the y data.
Data points: (1,3), (2,6), (3,9), (4,12)
"Excel" assumes that the first column will be the independent variable and that any columns after that will be dependent variables.
The cell containing the value 1 is E2, and the cell containing
12 is F5. Notice that in the window for Step 1 of the
Chartwizard, it says $E$2:$F$5, to confirm that you have
selected the correct data. Click on "Next".
Step 2 of the Chart Wizard shows the types of charts you
can chose from. Click on the chart of your choice, and it
will turn black. Here, we want 'X-Y (Scatter)'. Click on "Next" to go on to Step 3.
Pictures for Steps 3, 4 and 5 are not shown, as they are very similar to Step 2 in appearance, and should be self-explanatory.
Step 3 provides choices such as
Plotting points
Plotting points and lines
Plotting points with horizontal and vertical lines
Plotting points on a semi-logarithmic graph
Plotting points on a logarithmic graph
Plotting lines
Step 4 lets the operator make changes beyond the scope of
what we need. If you want to test the effects of the
changes, make a 3 x 3 grid of data, chose a column chart
in step 2, and then play with the various options.
Step 5 shows the graph, and provides choices such as
including a legend (if there are several dependent variables,
this will be needed), labeling the graph, labeling the
axes,
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