Chart Basics
What is a chart in Excel used for?
To visually represent numerical or categorical data.
What are data labels used for?
To display values directly on chart points.
What is a column chart best used for?
Comparing values across categories using vertical bars.
What is a sparkline?
A tiny chart displayed within a single cell to show data trends.
Which chart is best for showing parts of a whole?
Pie chart
What is the chart area?
The entire space containing all chart elements.
What are axes in a chart?
The horizontal and vertical lines that frame the chart’s plot area.
What does a line chart help show?
Trends over time using connected data points.
What is a worksheet range?
A defined block of cells in a sheet (e.g., A1:B5).
You want to show trends across several months. What chart should you use?
Line chart
What is the plot area?
The part of the chart where actual data is visualized.
What do chart titles do?
They clarify the content and context of the chart.
When would you use a pie chart?
To show proportions/percentages of a whole.
What is a source in Excel?
The original location of data used in a chart or formula.
You want to compare two numeric variables. What chart fits best?
Scatter chart
What is a data series?
A set of related data points in a chart (e.g., a single line/bar group).
What is the purpose of a legend?
To identify the data series by color or symbol.
What is an exploded pie chart?
A pie chart with segments pulled out for emphasis.
What is a destination in Excel?
The location where a formula result or chart appears.
You want to show data in one cell with a visual trend. What should you use?
Sparkline
What is a data marker?
A single visual point (bar/dot/column) representing one value.
What is a data table in Excel charts?
A grid that shows the actual data values below the chart.
What is a scatter chart best for?
Showing relationships or correlations between two numeric variables.
What is a 3-D reference in Excel?
A formula that refers to the same cell across multiple worksheets.
You want to summarize sales across multiple sheets in one formula. What should you use?
3-D reference