How to Make a Line Chart in Excel

QI Macros Can Help You Do More Than Simple Line Charts!

Create Line, Run and Control Charts using Excel and QI Macros:

  1. Select your data.
  2. Click on QI Macros menu > Run Chart or Control Chart Wizard.
  3. QI Macros will do the math and analysis for you.

Go Deeper: 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 graph in excel


Line Graphs 101

To create a line graph in Excel, select your data, then click on the Insert tab and then Line.

how to make a line graph in Excel 2013

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.

Line Graph

line graph

A line graph is the most primitive time series chart.

Run Chart

run chart excel

A run chart adds a center line which represents the average or the median of the data.

Control Chart

control chart

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.

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Fortunately, control charts are just as easy to create as line graphs using QI Macros Add-in for Excel. See for yourself. FREE QI Macros 30-Day Trial

Improve your data analysis skills using these charts in QI Macros add-in for Excel