[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: EXCEL - Creating a Chart in Excel and Google Sheets

Tue Aug 19 15:38:11 PDT 2025

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Webinars for You

NOTE: Webinars begin at 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 Noon PT and are one hour long.

September 10: [EXCEL] From Boring to Brilliant: Spreadsheet Formatting Made Easy Why Attend: You want to learn more about polishing your spreadsheets.

September 24: [OFFICE] Office Design Secrets: How to Make Your Documents Pop Why Attend: You want to uplevel your design skills.

October 8: [EXCEL] Tired of Drab Reports? Pivot Tables Will Change Everything! Why Attend: You want a quick way to learn to create pivot tables.

October 22: [LEADERSHIP] Meeting Mastery: Skills Every Leader Needs Why Attend: You want to learn how to lead meetings that are focused, respectful, and productive.

View Webinars and Register Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mXDf9tVsMaJkCGJpmScW6h31J2nxKOChinsHp0LUFtekmqLNq0yYyvkaeAlA5xEXx_htqAJycCe0X0Xfhi6pRCcMI_PNX6MOj2Hxt-Ipvluf2aSuHFWks9K_mPHtamPYeNgSY6W_uKMLpSim3ZYOV_UFITJQqMxO0W1kVOZZGTw=&c=f6sUa3TTaU-3MIz95WxtS3ai2cL3-00kzd4BWOIuwciVwXrBEtoeGA==&ch=vsOgqX9EgwfpeOoDJbUTcjaIAKYC1PQnXl0uhHkSH-GP4XwJalvDLw==>

EXCEL - Creating a Chart in Excel and G-Sheets

Intermediate

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When I am presenting annual statistics to managers, I want to be sure they read them. If I just list the numbers (book circulations, media checkouts, etc.) they probably will not have much meaning.

Using a table can help show facts clearly, but colorful charts are even better! They grab people's attention. Eye-catching charts can quickly communicate important ideas, simplify complex information, and reveal patterns and trends. That is why I use spreadsheets to show my data instead of using a simple table.

You don’t need to be a graphic designer to share information easily. Excel can help you turn your spreadsheets into different charts. This makes it easier to show your data and tell your story.

How to Create a Chart in Excel

To get started creating a chart in Excel, open an existing spreadsheet with data in it or create a new one.

1.  Choose the information that you want to include in your chart. Click on the first cell of data ... typically it is the header of the first column.
2.  Drag the mouse until all the cells are highlighted. If you want the labels to appear in the chart, select them as well.
3.  Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon at the top of Excel.
4.  In the Chart Group, select the type you want. You can also click the arrow in the lower right corner of the group to see all the chart styles available.
5.  After you select your type, the chart will appear on the page. Two new tabs will also be in the ribbon at the top: Chart Design and Format.
6.  These two (2) tabs will always appear whenever your cursor (mouse) has clicked somewhere in the chart. These allow you to add or edit any of the elements in your chart.

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Office 365 Web

The steps for creating a chart in 365 Web are essentially the same as the desktop ... with one important exception: only one tab will appear.

So, follow the steps listed above...

... and when the chart shows up on the screen, you will see one new tab: Chart. (365 Web combines the two tab functions of the Desktop version into one.) See image below.

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GOOGLE Sheets

Sheets is very similar to Excel. The main difference is that to edit your chart, the options will appear on the right side of your screen (see image below) ... rather than being in the two tabs at the top.

Here's how to insert a chart:
1.  Open an existing sheet with data already in it or create a new sheet.
2.  Highlight the cells you want to include.
3.  Go to Insert in the menu and click on Chart.
4.  Select the type of chart from the drop-down menu in the Editor box on the right.

The Chart Editor will let you customize how the data is presented.

You can change how the chart is displayed by choosing colors, fonts, and other chart characteristics.

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Communications: Talking

Choose words that have power

Words, when chosen with care, have the power to build trust, resolve conflict, and inspire action. Think about it... every conversation you have is either strengthening or weakening a relationship.

The right words can open doors, calm tension, and move people toward a shared goal. The wrong words can do the opposite—closing minds, creating distance, or sparking resistance.

That’s why we’ve created a special section in Tech-Talk devoted to Power Words. These short, focused articles introduce you to the kinds of words and phrases that make a tremendous difference.

By reading and practicing them, you’ll arm yourself with the communication skills needed to achieve a higher level of success—in your work, your relationships, and your leadership.

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
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State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
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