Graphing with Excel

Below is a listing of the tutorial modules available for help with visualizing data in Excel. All of the Advanced Technique modules assume that you have mastered the material in the Basics section. Otherwise, the Advanced Techniques modules are independent of each other.

Basics

Data input into cells

Inputting data values into cells, selecting and specifying ranges of cells, creating formulas to process data, and formatting data values for display.

Creating a scatter plot and line graph

Basics of creating a graph from a set of data. This example creates a scatterplot and a simple line graph.

Advanced Techniques

Bar graphs and histograms

Creating single and multiple bar graphs. Background on what a histogram is used for. Also details on how to use the FREQUENCY function to create a data set and turn it into a histogram.

Importing text files

Bringing raw data into Excel via a text file generated by another program or laboratory instrument.

Final formatting

Format elements of the graph by hiding or displaying them and changing their size, color, and orientation. New elements, such as reference lines, can be added with the drawing tools.

Regression lines

Summarizing the trend of a data set with a regression line. Shows how to calculate and display the equation for the regression line and its correlation coefficient, R-squared.

Superimposing graphs

Merging the data from two graphs into one graph, typically to depict a second independent variable. Includes information on reformatting the graph to appropriately depict the new variable.

Creating error bars

Provides information on summarizing data with mean values and representing experimental uncertainty with error bars.

Selecting data for display

Selectively displaying only portions of your data set. Includes using graphing to identify and removing outlier points.

Acknowledgements


 

 

 
 

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