How to Make a Line Graph in Microsoft Excel

Quick summary

Creating a line graph in Microsoft Excel involves inserting a chart, selecting a line graph style, and configuring both vertical and horizontal axis data using the Select Data dialog. Once your data series and axis labels are set, you can customize the chart with axis titles and data labels using Excel's built-in chart tools.

Steps

1. Go to the Insert tab and click the Insert Line or Area Chart icon in the Charts group.
2. Choose a line graph style (e.g., Line, Line with Markers).
3. Right-click inside the chart area and click Select Data.
4. Click Add on the left side to enter data for the vertical axis.
5. Under Series Name, type the name for the chart series.
6. For Series Values, delete the default data, then drag and select the data you want to include for the vertical axis, then click OK.
7. Under the Horizontal Axis Labels, click Edit.
8. Drag and select the cells containing the desired data for the horizontal axis and click OK.
9. Click OK to apply the changes and view the updated chart with data on both axes.
10. Left-click on the chart, click the + icon to add axis titles or data labels, and explore other options to customize your chart.