MS Excel
Basic to Advanced - 4
- by Nikhil
Meet the trainer
Nikhil Rachur
Trainer
Module 4: Data
Visualization
Data Visualization
In today’s session, we’re going to
• Learn how to create and format different types of charts in Excel.
• Understand how to use Sparklines to display trends in data.
• Introduction to conditional formatting with visual elements.
Introduction to Data
Visualization in Excel
What is Data Visualization?
• Visual representation of data to make insights clearer.
Why it’s Useful:
• Simplifies data interpretation.
• Highlights trends, patterns, and outliers.
• Helps in decision-making.
Types of Charts in Excel
Overview of Common Chart Types:
• Bar Chart: Compares quantities across categories.
• Line Chart: Shows data trends over time.
• Pie Chart: Illustrates part-to-whole relationships.
Creating a bar chart
Steps to Create a Bar Chart:
• Select data range.
• Go to Insert > Charts and select Bar Chart.
• Choose the chart style.
Tips for Formatting:
• Customize colors, axes, and labels.
• Use Chart Elements to add data labels, titles, etc.
Creating a Line chart
Steps to Create a Bar Chart:
• Select data range.
• Go to Insert > Charts and select Line Chart.
• Choose the chart style.
Use Case:
• Tracking performance over time.
• Monitoring progress or growth.
Creating a Pie chart
Steps to Create a Pie Chart:
• Select a single data series.
• Go to Insert > Charts and select Pie Chart.
• Choose a style and format as needed.
Best Practices:
• Limit to 6 or fewer categories.
• Avoid using for complex data comparisons.
Formatting Charts for
Clarity
Formatting Tips:
• Change colors, fonts, and styles to match themes.
• Add data labels, chart titles, and legends.
• Use Chart Styles to adjust the appearance.
Introduction to Sparklines
What are Sparklines?
• Miniature charts displayed within a single cell.
• Great for quick, inline trend visualization.
Types of Sparklines:
• Line, Column, and Win/Loss.
To create a sparkline in Excel, you can do the following:
• Select the data range for the sparkline
• Click the Insert tab, then Sparklines
• Choose the type of sparkline you want, such as Line, Column, or Win/Loss
• Select the cell or range of cells where you want to place the sparkline
• Click OK
Conditional Formatting
with Visual Elements
Why Use Conditional Formatting?
• Highlights specific data points based on rules.
Visual Elements Options:
• Data Bars: Represent values with colored bars.
• Color Scales: Apply a gradient to show data intensity.
• Icon Sets: Use symbols to categorize data (e.g., arrows, flags).
Steps to Apply:
• Select the data range.
• Go to Home > Conditional Formatting.
• Choose a visual option (Data Bars, Color Scales, or Icon Sets).
• Customize rules if needed.
Best Practices in Data
Visualization
• Clarity: Keep charts simple and easy to interpret.
• Consistency: Use a cohesive color scheme.
• Relevance: Choose the right chart type for the data.
• Avoid Overloading: Avoid clutter by limiting elements.
Practise exercise
• Create a bar chart, line chart, and pie chart using
sample data.
• Insert Sparklines to show trends in data.
• Apply conditional formatting to visualize data ranges.
Year 2021 2022 2023 2024
John Smith 4200 4500 5000 5500
Jane Doe 3600 3800 4100 4500
EmilyJohnson 6800 7000 7500 8000
Michael Brown 2900 3000 3200 3500
Sarah Wilson 8600 9000 9500 10000
Summary & Key
Takeaways
Recap of Key Points:
• How to create and format bar, line, and pie charts.
• Using Sparklines for quick trend insights.
• Introduction to conditional formatting with visual tools.
Thank
you
