Instructions for Preparing Graphs with Excel
1. Enter data as paired data (x, y) into cells of spreadsheet as indicated in the image below:
2. Click on the Chart Wizard button as indicated by the red circle.3. Select the graph type "x-y scatter" and click on the "next" button.
4. Select the graph type "x-y scatter" and click on the "next" button.
5. The "Step 2" Dialog Box will appear. If the data points look correct and the data range is correct, click on the "next" button.
6. The "Step 3" Dialog Box will appear. Enter the graph name, and the label and units for the x and y axes. Then click on the "finish" button. Graph should look like the following figure.
7. Add trendline or line of best fit by right clicking on one of the data points of the graph. A dialog box will appear. Select the "Add Trendline" item from the menu.
8. Select the "options" tab and check the "Display equation on chart" check box. The equation for the line and the line of best fit will be added to your graph. Position the equation where it can be easily read.
8. To copy the graph from Excel into your lab report document, be sure the graph is selected and then copy it and paste it into your document in the position where you want the graph.