Column and bar charts in Excel - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the main difference between a column chart and a bar chart?

A column chart displays data with vertical bars, while a bar chart displays data with horizontal bars. Both show comparisons, but the orientation differs.

beginner

How do you create a column chart in Excel?

Select your data, go to the Insert tab, then click on the 'Insert Column or Bar Chart' button and choose a column chart style.

intermediate

Why would you choose a bar chart over a column chart?

You might choose a bar chart when category names are long or when you want to compare many categories because horizontal bars fit better.

beginner

What does the 'Legend' in a column or bar chart show?

The legend explains what each color or pattern in the bars represents, helping you understand the data categories.

intermediate

How can you change the color of bars in a column chart?

Click on a bar to select the data series, then right-click and choose 'Format Data Series'. From there, pick a new fill color.

Which chart type uses vertical bars to display data?

A Pie chart

B Bar chart

C Column chart

D Line chart

Column charts use vertical bars, while bar charts use horizontal bars.

Where do you find the option to insert a column chart in Excel?

A Insert tab

B Home tab

C Data tab

D Review tab

The Insert tab contains chart options including column and bar charts.

What does the legend in a chart help you do?

A Change chart colors

B Explain what each color or pattern means

C Add data labels

D Sort data

The legend explains the meaning of colors or patterns in the chart.

When is a bar chart better than a column chart?

A When category names are long

B When category names are short

C When you want vertical bars

D When you want a pie chart

Bar charts with horizontal bars fit long category names better.

How do you change the color of bars in a column chart?

A Double-click the chart title

B Insert a new chart

C Use the Data tab

D Right-click a bar and choose 'Format Data Series'

Right-clicking a bar and selecting 'Format Data Series' lets you change colors.

Explain how to create and customize a column chart in Excel.

Think about the steps from selecting data to changing colors.

Describe when you would use a bar chart instead of a column chart and why.

Consider the orientation and label length.