How to Create a Bar Graph in Excel

Rick Akura on
In this article, you'll learn a simple, step by step process to help you create a bar graph in excel and make your projects more eye-catching.

Excel comes with a plethora of built-in charts and graphs, one of which is the Bar Graph. Today, we’ll show you how to create one of these graphs to make your Excel workbooks more professional and functional.

Excel expert


A bar graph, also known as a bar chart by many, works like a charm when visualizing data. It allows you to break down data tables into vertical bars, showing ample information about how your cells relate to one another.

Table of Contents

How to create a bar graph in different versions of Excel

If you want to learn how to utilize this kind of chart in your projects, this article will show you the process step-by-step. For more informative Excel tutorials, please check out our Help Center!

Create a Bar Graph in Excel

 

Let's get started!

Excel 2016 and newer

Below are the instructions on how to insert a bar graph or bar chart in Excel 2016, as well as newer versions like Excel 2019 or Excel for Microsoft 365.

  1. Open Excel and the workbook you want to use for creating a bar chart. If you haven’t made one yet, start with a new workbook and add your data to the cells.
  2. Select all of the data which will be used in your bar chart. Make sure to select column and row headers as well to accurately generate labels.
    Create bar graph in excel

    (Source: Tech On The Net)
  3. Use the ribbon interface on top of your window to switch to the Insert tab.
  4. Click on the Insert Column or Bar Chart button, found in the Charts group. This will open up a drop-down menu with many options to choose from. In this example, we’re going to select 2D columns.
    create a bar graph in excel

    (Source: Tech On The Net)
  5. The chart will automatically generate using the data you previously selected.
  6. Edit your chart as needed. You can modify its name, the labels, colors, and even change the chart type entirely if you’re unsatisfied.
    create a bar graph in excel

    (Source: Tech On The Net)
  7. Move your chart by single-clicking on it once, then dragging the chart to a different position.
  8. Once you’re happy with the chart, save your workbook.
    • To save a workbook in Excel, simply click on the File menu and choose either Save or Save as. To make things even faster, use the Ctrl + S keyboard shortcut.
  9. To delete the chart, simply click on it once to select it and press the Delete key on your keyboard.

Excel 2007 and older

Below are the instructions on how to insert a bar graph or bar chart in Excel 2007, as well as older versions like Excel 2003.

  1. Open Excel and the workbook you want to use for creating a bar chart. If you haven’t made one yet, start with a new workbook and add your data to the cells.
  2. Select all of the data which will be used in your bar chart. Make sure to select column and row headers as well to accurately generate labels.
    create a bar graph in excel

    (Source: Tech On The Net)
  3. Click on the Insert menu, then choose Chart. Alternatively, click on the Chart Wizard button from the toolbar.
    create a bar graph in excel

    (Source: Tech On The Net)
  4. Under the Chart type, select Column. This might already be selected for you as it’s the default option — in this case, simply proceed to the next step.
  5. Select Bar Graph as the subtype, then press the Next button.
  6. Double-check that the data range is correct, then select Column as the DataRange.
  7. Enter the titles of the chart for the X-axis and Y-axis, then modify any settings as needed. When done customizing your chart, click the Next button.
  8. Select whether you want your chart to be generated on a separate sheet or embedded in the currently open sheet.
    create a bar graph in excel

    (Source: Tech On The Net)
  9. Click on the Finish button. Now, you can select your bar chart by clicking on it once and modifying it as needed using the Chart toolbar.

Final thoughts

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