You need to master the following terminology before you can tackle Charts in Microsoft Excel. You will battle to answer theory questions without the correct terms, and you will struggle to follow the instructions in your practical assessments.
The chart area is the outside frame and everything inside of it. In this example, it is the white area with everything in it.
2. Plot area
The plot area is the area inside the chart area with the axes, data markers etc. In this chart, it is the block with the pale blue colour behind the data markers.
The Cartesian coordinate system consists of a horizontal 𝓍-axis and a vertical 𝓎-axis.
The value axis is usually the vertical, or 𝓎-axis.
Value axis labels
Value axis markers: In this chart, the value axis shows a range of numbers from 0 to 120 in multiples of 20.
4. Category axis
The category axis is usually the horizontal, or 𝓍-axis.
Category axis labels identify what each data marker represents in the series. In the above example, the labels are the months of the year for which the specific rainfall values have been recorded.
Category axis markers
5. Data Point
The data point is the value plotted as a point on a cartesian plane. To emphasise this plot point, we use data markers.
6. Data marker
The bar, column, slice or other graphic element makes each data point easier to see. The size of the data marker is proportional to the data point value it represents. This makes it easier to visually compare one data point to another, for example, the taller the column the larger the value being represented.
7. Data labels
The actual value for the data point can be added to the data marker in the form of data labels.
8. Legend
A chart’s legend is also referred to as the Key. It is similar in both appearance and function to the legend on a map.
9. Title
The Chart Title describes the data series being represented to help the user understand the visual aid. It is an editable text box.
10. Data series
“A group of related data points or markers that are plotted in charts and graphs.” [1]
A data series is a group of related data values. These are represented on the chart as a group of data markers, which in this example represent the series of numbers in the range B3:B20.
Mister Fox AKA @MisterFoxOnline is an ICT, IT and CAT Teacher who has just finished training as a Young Engineers instructor. He has a passion for technology and loves to find solutions to problems using the skills he has learned in the course of his IT career.
