Keith’s Training Hub

LESSON 15 OF 16 · ABOUT 15 MINUTES

Label the chart so someone else can read it

Add an informative title, currency units and readable labels.

Need the practice files?

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

Practice workbook (.xlsx)

Learn the skill

A chart without a scope or units can tell the wrong story even when its bars are correct.

Worked example

Title: Fictional training orders: cost by team.

Value axis: Cost (£). Categories: North, South, West.

Values: £250, £200, £90. For bars or columns, start the value axis at zero.

Follow these steps

  1. Select the chart. Open Chart Design > Add Chart Element where available.
  2. Add the title and value-axis title.
  3. Check all category labels remain visible.
  4. Add data labels if they improve readability. A single-series legend may be unnecessary.
  5. Inspect the scale and ensure the value axis starts at zero.

Try it yourself

Ask a colleague, or imagine a new reader: can they identify what is measured, the units and the largest team without looking elsewhere?

Check your practical result
  • The title says these are fictional training orders.
  • Pounds and all team names are visible.
  • The zero baseline and values support a fair comparison.

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

If it does not work

Commands vary by Excel version; use Chart Design or the chart controls available. If labels overlap, enlarge the chart or use a horizontal bar chart.

Optional knowledge check

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

Which title is most useful?

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 →