Turn numbers into a picture: column, pie, and line charts
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Select the months and amounts, then Insert, Column chart. 1 Click the title to change it.
A chart shows your numbers as a picture. It is easier to see what is biggest or what is going up.
Which chart to use
Column chart: to compare things side by side, like spending on food, rent, and gas.
Pie chart: to show parts of one whole, like how a budget is split. Use it for one column only, with a few slices.
Line chart: to show change over time, like money saved each month.
Make a column chart
Select your data, including the headings. For example, select A3 to B9 (the months and the amounts).
Click the Insert tab.
In the Charts group, click the Column chart button (it shows small bars). Click the first picture, Clustered Column.
The chart appears on top of the sheet.
Tip: Not sure which chart? Click Insert, then Recommended Charts. Excel shows you good choices.
Make a pie chart
Select the names and one column of numbers, like the Category and Amount columns.
Click Insert, then the Pie chart button (it looks like a round circle). Click the first pie.
Make a line chart
Select the months and the amounts.
Click Insert, then the Line chart button. Click the first line.
Change the title
Click on the words Chart Title at the top of the chart.
Click again so a blinking line appears, or just start typing.
Type your new title, like Money Saved in 2026, and click outside the chart.
Other easy changes
Move the chart: click its edge and drag it.
Make it bigger or smaller: drag a corner circle.
Show the numbers on the chart: click the chart, click the plus sign (+) that appears next to it, and check Data Labels.
Change the colors: click the chart, then click the paintbrush button next to it and pick a style.
Delete a chart: click its edge and press Delete.
Tip: The chart is linked to your numbers. Change a number in the sheet and the chart changes too.
Mac: On a Mac, the plus and paintbrush buttons are not there. Click the chart and use the Chart Design tab instead.
Web: In Excel on the web, after you insert a chart, a Chart panel opens on the right where you can change the title and colors.
Try it
Go to the sheet 7 Monthly Money. Select A3:B9 and make a column chart of money saved each month. Change its title to Money Saved. Then select A3:A9 and C3:C9 (hold Ctrl while you select the second part) and make a line chart of spending. Last, use the Category table in E3:F8 to make a pie chart, and turn on Data Labels.