Step 1: Select the Insert Chart Command

To insert a chart, open the Insert menu and select Chart, or click the Insert Chart button on the Standard toolbar. If your layout already has a box for a chart, double-click the box. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: A Chart Appears

Immediately, a generic chart appears in your PowerPoint slide, along with a datasheet. Notice the PowerPoint menu bar now has a Chart menu. The menu has commands to help you create or edit your chart. 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Enter Your Chart Data

Use the datasheet to enter your chart data. Just replace the sample data with your own. For example, if you want to create a simple bar chart as shown in the generic sample, replace the generic chart data with your own column and row labels. You can also choose to delete all the sample data before entering your own. Select the data and press Delete. 

 

 

 

Step 4: Change the Chart Type

By default, the charting tool displays a bar chart, but you can select another chart type. To do so, open the Chart menu and choose Chart Type. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5: Select a Chart Type

From the Chart Type dialog box, choose a new chart type from the list box and select a subtype from those available. Click OK to exit and apply the new chart type. 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 6: Insert the Chart

To insert the chart into your slide, click the Close button on the datasheet. The chart is placed in your slide. You may need to resize or move it to fit properly. To edit the chart, double-click the chart object.