How to Make a Line Graph in Excel
Use a Line Chart to Display Data Over Time
Line Graphs are one of the most popular charts used. A line graph has an X axis (horizontal axis on the bottom) and a Y axis (vertical axis to the left). The X axis almost always represents time (hours, days, months, etc.) Therefore, in some industries, a line graph is referred to as a Time Series Chart.
Line Graphs 101
To create a line graph in Excel, select your data, then click on the Insert tab and then Line.
The Evolution of Time Series Charts
While line graphs are a improvement over displaying data in a table or Excel spreadsheet, a run chart or a control chart can actually analyze your data for you.
A line graph is the most primitive time series chart.
A run chart adds a center line which represents the average or the median of the data.
A control chart is a smart chart. It calculates a center line and sigma lines. It analyzes the data and identifies unstable points and trends.
Fortunately, control charts are just as easy to create as line graphs using QI Macros Add-in for Excel. See for yourself.
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Ready to Take the Next Step and Up Your Excel and Data Analysis Skills?
Stop trying to make your spreadsheets easy to read. And stop using primitive line, pie and bar charts.
Instead, graduate to the power tools of quality: performance charts, pareto charts and histograms.
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