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[Microsoft Excel/Visio] Having trouble creating a chart/graph

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by s land balla, Jan 6, 2011.

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  1. s land balla

    s land balla Member

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    So I'm trying to graph 6 scenarios on a chart.

    Each scenario has 3 components:

    1. Start date
    2. End date
    3. Dollar Amount

    I have an idea of what the chart should look like in my head, I just can't figure out how to create it in Excel, or any other software program.

    I was thinking of having the X-axis be a measure of time, and the Y-axis the dollar amount.

    And then I'd just create horizontal bars (from the Start Date to the End Date, corresponding to their respective Dollar Amount on the Y-axis).

    I have Microsoft Excel, as well as Microsoft Visio.

    Any ideas on how to execute this?
     
    #1 s land balla, Jan 6, 2011
  2. SwoLy-D

    SwoLy-D Member

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    Dang. I read your post, went to a meeting, and when I came back, I was expecting someone would have helped. I guess I will try, sir:

    :confused: What are you trying to accomplish by creating a chart or a graph? I am asking because many people try to apply just knowing how to do a chart or graph to anything, when you don't even need it.

    Think about your intent for using the chart or graph: for comparison over time (line), trend (bar), as a part of a whole (pie chart), the amount of times of a certain quantity (scatter).

    [​IMG]

    A good application:
    [​IMG] ;)
    Not a good application:
    [​IMG] :(
    Here is a quick way that will work in Excel (since 2000, I believe):
    1. Label two columns (A, B and C) as "start", "end" and "amount."
    2. Select the two columns you wish to include in the chart or graph.
    3. From the "Insert" menu, select "graph" or "chart"...
    4. Experiment with whichever one you think might fit.
    If your dates are continuous, I would suggest a line chart. If there is a break between the times, you might need something different, like a low-high or area chart. Usually the "amount" goes on the Y axis, like you said.

    What are your six scenarios? You don't have to give details, just a description of the general idea with a sample.

    Do well.
     
    #2 SwoLy-D, Jan 6, 2011
  3. SuperBeeKay

    SuperBeeKay Member

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    graphs? JCDenton's a pro
     
    #3 SuperBeeKay, Jan 6, 2011
  4. s land balla

    s land balla Member

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    You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to SwoLy-D again.

    My 6 scenarios are basically the amount of money owed over 6 different "damages periods."

    Essentially, I'm trying to show:

    1. Scenario 1 starts in 1994 and ends in 1996; amount owed over this time period = X.
    2. Scenario 2 starts in 1996 and ends in 1997; amount owed over this time period = Y.
    3. Scenario 3 starts in 1996 and ends in 2020; amount owed over this time period = Z.
    4. Etc., etc.

    A line chart wouldn't really work because the dollar value is constant in each scenario (i.e. in Scenario 1, the $ amount is just a total amount owed over the two year period...in other words, I'm not trying to show an increase/decrease between 1994 and 1996).
     
    #4 s land balla, Jan 6, 2011
  5. jh72684

    jh72684 Member

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    #5 jh72684, Jan 6, 2011
    1 person likes this.
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