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Using charts in your presentations can make it easier for users to see and understand the data being shown. Excel 2007 does no longer have a Chart Wizard option, but you can still easily make any of the three types of charts-pie charts, line graphs, or column chart-by clicking on chart options which is listed under the Insert ribbon. In this article, we will do a pie chart.
When you wish to create a pie chart using the Excel program, you will first need to enter the data into the worksheet. Make sure that you are not leaving any blank cells and enter all your information in column form. Remember that a pie chart is a percentage chart and only one series of data can be used. Once you have entered your data you wish to include in your pie chart, you will need to select which data you want to be included in your chart. You can do this one of two ways: you can use the mouse and drag select over the items you wish to include, or you can use the keyboard by clicking on the top left data to be included and then holding down the shift key while using the arrow keys to highlight the information you wish to include. Once you have highlighted the data, you will then need to choose a type of pie chart. Click on the Insert button in the toolbar and then chart category.
Once you have your pie chart made, you can labels and create a title for the chart by clicking on the Layout tab in the toolbar. You will be given the choice of where to place your title, whether it is at the top of the chart, the bottom or in another area. The Format tab will give you options such as coloring the background of your chart, changing the colors of the pieces of your “pie” and choosing text effects.
