Datasheet

If a chart has more than one data series, you’ll usually need a way to identify the data series
or data points. A legend, for example, is often used to identify the various series in a chart. In
this example, the legend appears at the bottom of the chart. Some charts also display data
labels to identify specific data points. The example chart displays data labels for the Profit
Margin series, but not for the Income series. In addition, most charts (including the example
chart) contain a chart title and additional labels to identify the axes or categories.
The example chart also contains horizontal gridlines (which correspond to the values on the
left axis). Gridlines are basically extensions of the value axis scale, which makes it easier
for the viewer to determine the magnitude of the data points.
In addition, all charts have a chart area (the entire background area of the chart) and a plot
area (the part that shows the actual chart, including the plotted data, the axes, and the
axis labels).
Charts can have additional parts or fewer parts, depending on the chart type. For example,
a pie chart (see Figure 1-6) has “slices” and no axes. A 3-D chart may have walls and a
floor (see Figure 1-7).
Figure 1-6: A pie chart
Several other types of items can be added to a chart. For example, you can add a trend line
or display error bars.
CROSS-REFERENCE
Refer to Chapters 4 and 5 for additional information about the elements available for
various chart types.
Chapter 1: Introducing Excel Charts
Part I
17
05_044001 ch01.qxp 8/24/07 8:48 PM Page 17