Bar graphs are a visual representation of data variation. It is easier to understand trends in a graphical format. Creating bar graphs in MS Word is a simple process.
We will show you how to create a bar graph in MS Word with simple, step-by-step instructions. We will also show you how to annotate the bar graph.
Let us begin.
Before proceeding, you need data with which to create a graph. If you don’t have an existing data set, we suggest creating a quick table in MS Excel containing fictional data, to test out this technique.
Step #1: Open the data table
Open your data table in either MS Excel.
Select the table by clicking and dragging with your mouse over the table
Copy the contents to clipboard by pressing CTRL on your keyboard, and then the letter C.
Step #2: Open the MS Word document
Open the Word document where you want to insert the bar graph.
Navigate to the location where the graph must be, and place your cursor on the desired spot.
Step #3: Insert the bar graph
Click on the Insert tab in the top main menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the Illustrations section, click on the Chart icon.
This will open the Insert Chart window.
The left-hand pane shows all the types of charts MS Word can create.
The right-hand pane shows images of the charts.
In the left-hand pane, click on Bar.
The right-hand pane will show six options with their images:
- Clustered Bar
- Stacked Bar
- 100% Stacked Bar
- 3-D Clustered Bar
- 3-D Stacked Bar
- 3-D 100% Stacked Bar
Click on the type of bar graph you want.
In our example, we selected Clustered Bar.
Click the OK button at the bottom.
This introduces a bar graph in the document.
Also, an Excel window opens, showing a table.
Step #4: Change the data
Replace the table in the Excel window with your data table, by dragging your cursor over the current area, and then pressing CTRL on your keyboard and the letter V.
The bar graph changes to match the contents in your data table.
Close the Excel window.
Step #5: Reposition and resize the bar graph
Click on the bar graph.
Use the handles, which are located on the edges and shown in red below, to reposition and resize the bar graph.
Step #6: Add a chart title
Click on Chart Title on the top.
Type in your own title.
Step #7: Annotate the axes
Click on the bar graph.
Four icons will appear on the right side.
Click on the second icon from the top.
A list of chart elements will open.
Click on the triangle next to Axis Titles.
Click on Primary Horizontal and Primary Vertical.
Ensure tick-marks appear in the boxes on the left.
‘Axis Title’ will appear on the X-axis and the Y-axis.
Click on these and replace them with appropriate titles.
Step #8: Add major vertical grid lines
Right-click in the bar graph to open a special menu.
Click on Format Plot Area….
This opens a Format Plot Area dialog box on the right.
Click on the down arrow next to Plot Area Options.
This opens a menu.
Click on Horizontal (Value) Axis Major Gridlines.
Under Line, click on Solid Line.
The bar graph will now have solid vertical major gridlines.
Step #9: Add the horizontal axis
Right-click on the bar graph to open a menu.
Click on Format Plot Area….
This opens a Format Plot Area dialog box on the right.
Click on the down arrow next to Plot Area Options.
This opens a menu.
Click on Horizontal (Value) Axis.
Under Line, click on Solid Line.
The bar graph now has a solid horizontal axis.
Step #10: Add bar graph borders
Right-click on the bar graph to open a menu.
Click on Format Plot Area.
This opens a Format Plot Area dialog box on the right.
Click on the down arrow next to Plot Area Options.
This opens a menu.
Click on Plot Area.
Under Line, click on Solid Line.
The bar graph now has a solid border.
Step #11: Add a border to the chart
Right-click on the bar graph to open a menu.
Click on Format Plot Area….
This opens a Format Plot Area dialog box on the right.
Click on the down arrow next to Plot Area Options.
This opens a menu.
Click on Chart Area.
Under Line, click on Solid Line.
The chart now has a solid border.
Conclusion
We have shown you a simple method of creating a bar graph in MS Word. We have also shown you how to annotate the graph. Use the above steps to the best of your advantage.
There are many ways to improve the look and feel of your graph, once you have completed these basic steps. Feel free to play around and try out different options.