How to Create a Bar Graph in Excel

Bar graphs are excellent for comparing items between different groups over time. In Excel, making a bar graph is straightforward.

In this guide, I will be going over all the steps required to make a bar graph in Excel. I will be using the Office 365 version of Excel (build 2203), but the instructions will be the same in other versions.

Creating a Bar Graph

Naturally, it’s important to organize your data first before you start to prepare your bar chart.

1. As bar charts are best used to compare results between different groups over time, I am using an example of yearly sales figures for a particular product.

   

2. After your data is ready, you will need to select it by holding your left mouse button and highlighting the data you wish to select.

   

3. Once you have selected the relevant data that you wish to include in your graph, select the Insert tab to reach the “Charts” section.

   

4. A toolbar will pop up with options to create different types of charts.

   Since we want to make a bar chart, we will select the Insert Column or Bar Chart button. The button will have a bar chart icon on it.

   

5. Excel provides you with multiple types of bar charts to represent your data set.

   This includes an option to select 2-D or 3-D charts. You can also represent the data in a horizontal or vertical graph.

   

   For this example, I will be selecting a simple 2-D column chart to represent our data.

   

How to Customize your Bar Graph

After creating your chart, you may not find the design or layout suitable. Changing that is also very simple, and if you wish to change the way your chart looks, you can follow these steps.

Changing Chart Design

1. Click on your Chart and select Chart Design from the top menu. You will see an option to change the chart design based on templates.
2. You can customize the color palette to your liking by using the pre-made designs or customize your own by selecting the “Change Colors” option.

Changing Chart Type

You can switch to a different bar chart style or a different style of chart altogether.

1. Select your bar chart, then select Chart Design from the top menu. After, choose Change Chart Type.

   

2. You will see different chart layouts to represent the data. You can select the chart that best describes your data, and it will automatically replace your chart.