Keith’s Training Hub

LESSON 14 OF 16 · ABOUT 15 MINUTES

Choose a chart for the question

Create a clear comparison of the three team costs.

Need the practice files?

Keep using your working copy if you have started the programme.

Practice workbook (.xlsx)

Learn the skill

Choose the question first. Categories need a comparison; a time trend needs a time axis.

Worked example

Charts!A1:B4 contains checked totals: North £250, South £200, West £90.

A plain 2-D column or bar chart suits this comparison.

A line chart would suggest an ordered trend that these team names do not represent.

Follow these steps

  1. Check the chart table sums to £540.
  2. Select Charts!A1:B4, including headings and excluding any total row.
  3. Choose Insert > Column or Bar Chart, then a plain 2-D chart.
  4. Check three categories and all three plotted values.
  5. Keep the source table alongside the chart.

Try it yourself

Explain when a line chart would be more appropriate. Use a fictional month-by-month example without changing this chart’s team data.

Check your practical result
  • There are three team categories, not a fourth Grand total bar.
  • The values match 250, 200 and 90.
  • You can explain your chart choice.

This is your own review, not an automatic inspection of Excel.

If it does not work

If Excel plots the wrong series, inspect Select Data and the selected range. Do not change source values to make the chart look better.

Optional knowledge check

This check is for practice. It is not saved or required to continue.

Which question fits a line chart better?

Continue whenever you are ready. No test or recorded score is required.

Course guide and Microsoft helpDownload the whole course guide (.txt)

Steps primarily use Microsoft 365 desktop Excel for Windows. Other versions can differ. Formulas use English names and commas; your region may use semicolons. Work only on the fictional practice copies.

Microsoft: Create a chart (opens in a new tab). Guidance checked 3 November 2026.

Browser knowledge checks do not execute Excel. This programme does not change your saved progress in other courses.

All 16 lessons and the day programme

Welcome and setup: 09:30–09:40. Evaluation and close: 16:15–16:30.

The four session windows match the supplied programme. Lesson times below are approximate independent practice times. Facilitators can use the remaining time for demonstrations, questions and breaks, including lunch within Session 2.

SESSION 1 · 09:40–11:40

More functions

Count, total, classify and work with dates.

  1. Count matching orders with COUNTIF · 15 min
  2. Add matching costs with SUMIF · 15 min
  3. Use IF to label a result · 15 min
  4. Use TODAY without losing a reporting date · 15 min

SESSION 2 · 11:40–14:30

Managing datasets

Keep records together, find what matters and control new entries.

  1. Sort whole records safely · 15 min
  2. Sort by team, then amount · 15 min
  3. Put priorities in a custom order · 15 min
  4. Filter a list and restore every row · 15 min
  5. Make a safe dropdown with data validation · 20 min

SESSION 3 · 14:30–15:30

Linking

Reuse values across cells, sheets and files with clear checks.

  1. Link cells instead of retyping · 10 min
  2. Link sheets inside one workbook · 10 min
  3. Link a value from another file · 15 min
  4. Inspect, repair and safely remove a link · 15 min

SESSION 4 · 15:30–16:15

Charts

Choose a chart, label it and improve its design.

  1. Choose a chart for the question · 15 min
  2. Label the chart so someone else can read it · 15 min
  3. Improve the design without changing the message · 15 min

Final practical task and evaluation →