How to Create a Bar Chart in Microsoft Excel 2003

1. Make a table that contains all of the data you want represented in your bar chart. Be sure to include column and row labels and numerical quantities when making your table.
2. Highlight all of the data in your table--including the column and row labels--and click the “Chart Wizard” button on the toolbar. The “Chart Wizard” button looks like a tiny column chart.
3. When the Chart Wizard appears, select “Bar” from the “Chart Type” menu, then select the subcategory of bar chart you would like to create. Click the “Next” button.
4. Use the “Data Range” box if you need to modify the data set. Select “Rows” from the “Series In” option to sort your data by row or “Columns” to sort your data by column. Click “Next.”
5. Enter titles and labels for your chart to make it easy to read. Excel will offer you a preview of how the chart will appear while you work.
6. Use the “Axes,” “Gridlines,” “Legend,” “Data Labels,” and “Data Table” tabs as additional tools for modifying the appearance of your bar chart. Each tab modifies a specific part of your bar chart. Click “Next” when you are finished modifying the appearance of your chart.
7. Select “As New Sheet” to place your bar chart in a new Excel spreadsheet or select “As Object In” to place the bar chart in the same spreadsheet that you built your data table. Click “Finish” to complete the creation of your chart and place it on a spreadsheet.