Lesson 7: Handling Numbers and Quantitative Expressions Tables and Charts
Chart
A chart is a graphic representation of worksheet data. Showing data in a chart can make the data clearer, more interesting and easier to read. Charts help to analyse data and make comparison between different worksheet values. Charts can be separately stored on chart sheets which can be printed, viewed, or edited, or they can be embedded in the current sheet so that they become a part of it.
Elements of a chart: In excel chart can be either 2- dimensional (2-D) or 3- dimensional (3-D)
2- Dimensional Charts
Y-Axis: It is called as the “series” or “rank” axis. It shows the value of the data points that are plotted.
X-Axis: It is known as the “category” axis which shows the categories of the data points that are plotted.
Chart title: It can be taken from a cell on the sheet or it can be directly added to the chart.
Category names: They identify individual data points and may be dated, locations, products and so on. The category names are taken from the top most row or the left-most column, depending on the orientation of the sheet.
Legend: it is a set of labels that describe each of the data series. These labels are attached to a symbol, a colour, or a pattern that is associated with the series and placed on the chart. It is used to distinguish one data series from another. The text for a legend is taken from a text row or column depending on the orientation of the sheet.
Data marker: It is used to distinguish one data series from another.
Tick marks: They are small lines used to divide the two axis and provide the scaling.
Gridlines: They are displayed for both axis to help to read the value of individual data points. Grid lines scaled according to the values on the axis and can be changed.
Data labels: They are displayed sometimes to show the value of data point.
Active border: It is a thicker gray line, that identifies particular chart is active and can be edited.
Selected border: it identifies that a chart can be sized, moved, or deleted and contain handles for that purpose.
3-D chart: Besides the elements of 2-D chart, 3-D charts have the following additional elements
Z-Axis: It shows the value of the data points
Wall: Background of the plotted area
Corners: They can be rotated to give different views to the user
Floor : It is the base upon which the series are plotted
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