how to plot a graph in excel with multiple series

Plotting a graph in Excel with multiple series requires some careful planning and manipulation of your data. There are several approaches you can take, but for this example, we'll explore the method that involves unpivoting your data.

To start, select the two columns of data that you want to use for your chart. In our example, let's say these columns represent internet usage in three European countries: Germany, France, and Italy.

Now, insert a new column to the right of these data and label it 'Category'. This column will contain the name of each series (i.e., the country).

Next, select all of your data, including the new Category column, and convert it into a table by pressing Ctrl+T.

Now you're ready to create your chart! Go to the 'Insert' tab in the ribbon and click on the 'Chart' button. Select the type of chart you want to create (e.g., line graph, bar graph, etc.), and then select the data range that includes all of your columns.

To add multiple series to your chart, simply select each column individually and add it to the chart as a separate series. You can do this by clicking on the 'Series' button in the ribbon and selecting 'Select Data'. Then, click on the 'Series' tab and use the 'Add' button to add each new series.

Once you've added all of your series, you can customize your chart as needed. For example, you might want to add axis labels or a title to your chart.

Another option for plotting multiple series is to use a filled map, which can be particularly effective when comparing data across different geographic regions. However, with this type of chart, you can only display one series at a time. To work around this limitation, you can create separate charts for each series and then use the 'Switch Row/Column' button in the ribbon to swap between them.

Overall, plotting multiple series in Excel requires some creativity and flexibility, but with these steps, you should be able to create a clear and informative chart that effectively communicates your data.

How to plot a graph in excel with multiple series