line graph presentation

• Insert a line chart Video
• Customize a line chart Video
• Insert a linked Excel line chart Video

Insert a line chart

Quickly add a line chart to your presentation, and see how to arrange the data to get the result you want. Customize chart elements, apply a chart style and colors, and insert a linked Excel chart.

Add a line chart to a presentation in PowerPoint

Use a line chart to compare data and show trends over time. When you need a line chart in a presentation, use PowerPoint to create it, if the data is relatively simple and won’t need frequent updates (otherwise, see Copy an Excel chart to another Office program ). Here is how:

Click INSERT > Chart .

Click the chart type, and then, double-click the chart you want. For help deciding which chart is best for your data, see Available chart types .

In the spreadsheet that appears, replace the default data with your own information.

When you have finished, close the spreadsheet.

Change the format of data labels in a chart

Copy an Excel chart to another Office program

Use a line chart to compare data and show trends over time.

In this chart, we compare the Average Precipitation in New York and Seattle at four points in the year, from January to October.

A line marker and exact number show at those points along the lines.

The data values show along the vertical axis, and the times of measurement, individual months, appear along the horizontal axis.

When you need a line chart in a presentation, use PowerPoint to create it, if the data is relatively simple and won’t need frequent updates.

If, on the other hand, your data is complex, or you plan to update it frequently, create the chart in Excel, and copy it into the PowerPoint.

We cover this in Movie 3, Insert a linked Excel line/chart.

To create a line chart in PowerPoint, on the HOME tab, click the arrow next to New Slide , and Blank to insert a blank slide.

Then click INSERT and Chart , and choose Line .

When I point to the default line chart, I see a larger preview.

Let’s look at these other line charts. When I point to one, a screen tip appears and describes the chart.

I think Line with Markers is the one I want. So, I’ll click it for a preview.

Then, I’ll point for the larger view. Yes, that’s it. I’ll click OK .

The chart is inserted, and a small window, with placeholder data, appears. We’ll type our data here.

Let’s start with the categories, where we’ll type the names of the months.

I click the cell and type: January, then April, July, and October, and I press Enter.

The names appear in the chart.

For the series, we’ll first type headings for the data: New York and Seattle, and press Enter.

We don’t have a third series to compare, so I’ll point to the D column and click to select it, right-click, and press Delete.

Now I’ll type in the data. For New York, I click the first cell and type the number, which is 3.65 inches, and press Enter.

In the chart, the line for New York updates to reflect the new value.

I have typed in the Average Precipitation data for New York. Now, I’ll type the data for Seattle.

We have now typed in our data, so I’ll click X to close the data window. And I’ll Zoom in a little to see the chart better.

The series headings, New York and Seattle, appear in the legend, and the lines reflect our data, with markers showing at the monthly points.

The value increments, for inches, were automatically calculated, and show along the vertical axis.

Up next: Customize a line chart .

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The Superfast Guide to Line Chart (PPT Templates Included)

Lakshya Khurana

Do you know a line chart was published in 1991 in The New York Times? The chart showed the percentage of people who said they had a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in the police, with data gathered from Gallup's annual Crime poll.

The interesting part about this chart was that the percentage of people who had confidence in the police dropped sharply after 2001. This could be due to a number of factors, including the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

That is one of the many instances where a line chart conveyed important information. Let’s learn about them in a bit more detail.

What Is a Line Chart?

A line chart or line graph displays information in a series of data points called 'markers' connected by straight line segments. It is one of the oldest types of charts and has been used for centuries to show everything from population growth to the rise and fall of empires.

What Are the Applications of a Line Chart?

Line charts are one of the most popular and commonly used business charts. They are often used to track data over time, such as sales figures or stock prices. They can also be used to show relationships between different data sets, such as the relationship between price and demand.

Line charts are often used to display time-series data, i.e. data that changes over time. This could be something as simple as a line chart for monthly sales figures of a product, or more complex data such as the stock price of a company over time.

Sounds like a line chart could really come in handy in a lot of cases. Let’s take a look at some of its benefits now.

What Are the Advantages of a Line Chart?

There are many advantages to using a line chart, which is why they are so popular. They are easy to understand, even for people who are not familiar with data visualization.

A line chart can be used to communicate complex data in a simple way. It can also be used to spot trends and patterns over time, which can be very useful for making business decisions.

They are also highly versatile and can be used to show a wide variety of data.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Line Chart?

One of the main disadvantages of line charts is that they can sometimes be misleading. This is because it is very easy to manipulate line charts. For example, if you want to show that a company's stock price has increased over time, you could simply start the line at a low point and end it at a high point. This would give the impression that the stock price has increased when in reality it may have only fluctuated slightly. In other words, it can make it appear that a trend is developing when in reality there may be no significant change.

They can also be difficult to interpret if the data sets are very large or complex.

Now that we have learned a bit about line charts, let’s learn how to make them ourselves.

How to Design and Best Present Them: Line Chart Templates

Let’s look at the steps needed to make a line chart chart strategy design in PowerPoint.

Note: You may need to make some adjustments to the chart depending on your specific data, but this should not be difficult.

Step 1: Insert and Select Chart 

Go to Insert > Shapes > Chart and format it to your desired size and color .

Step 2: Enter Your Data in the Excel Pop-up

Insert the data in the Excel pop-up that appears on top of the chart.  

Step 3: Create the Plot and Customize

Allow the data points to connect to get something like the screenshot shown below. The chart will change as you add the data in the Excel dialog box. You can customize the chart using the options on the right-hand side, such as the chart elements (trendline), styles, and filters.

Download this template

Now that you know how to create a line chart, you can use this tool to evaluate your business plan and identify areas for improvement.

If you need to present line chart data to an audience, then it is important to use PowerPoint templates that are specifically designed for this purpose. This will make it easier for your audience to understand the data and also help to prevent any misunderstandings.

Designing a line chart model is a time-consuming task. Hence, we have brought you 10 hand-picked templates that you can choose depending on your needs. Let’s take a look.

Template 1: Line Graph PowerPoint Bundle

This creative PPT bundle includes everything you need to create stunning line graphs and slides, making your data easy to understand for your audience. Plus, with a range of templates and designs to choose from, you can be sure to find the perfect look for your presentation. Download it now.

Download this template 

Template 2: Line Chart PPT Visual Aids

This PowerPoint layout is easy to use; just insert your data into our pre-made charts and you're ready to go. Take a look at the template and it shows profits made for two products over the period of one year. Get it now.

Grab this template

Template 3: Annual Competitive Analysis Line Chart

This PPT theme is the perfect way to track your competitors' movements and strategies over the course of a year, so you can adjust your own plans. With our easy-to-use PowerPoint template, you can quickly and easily see how your competitors are faring month-by-month. Employ it now.

Template 4: Line Chart for Global Marketing Analysis PowerPoint Slides

This PowerPoint layout provides a comprehensive overview of global marketing trends, analysis and strategy. Perfect for marketing professionals who need to present a clear and concise picture of the current market landscape, these slides will help you make an impactful presentation that will leave your audience informed and impressed. Download it now.

Template 5: Line Chart of Company Revenue Trend

This PPT preset will help you see how your business has been doing year after year, and identify any patterns in your growth. Whether you're hoping to increase your profits or just keep track of them, this line chart is the perfect tool for you! Incorporate it now.

Template 6: Line Chart PowerPoint Templates

Our PowerPoint design is the perfect way to illustrate a comparative study of two or more products. With this PPT theme, you can easily visualize the data points affecting product sales. Use it to discuss trends and predictions with your employees, or compare data sets. Download it now.

Template 7: Line Chart PPT Outline Mockup

What makes this PPT layout so great is its flexibility. You can easily change the colors, fonts, and layout to match your brand or presentation style. And best of all, it comes with everything you need to get started, including placeholder text and images. Assimilate it now.

Template 8: Line Chart PowerPoint Show

With this line chart PowerPoint show, you can easily depict a series of data points. This makes it perfect for discussing the significance of chronological data or illustrating financial information over different years. Use it to pinpoint the key execution issues and suggest strategies to your teammates. Get it now.

Template 9: Line Chart PowerPoint Slide Clipart

This PPT design is perfect for any business or academic presentation and is sure to make your data look its best. Whether you're showing growth over time, trends, or comparisons, our line chart clipart will help you get your point across in a clear and visually appealing way. Download it now.

Template 10: Line Chart PPT Professional Graphics Tutorials

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, this PowerPoint set is the perfect way to create stunning line charts that'll help you make your presentation pop. Our easy-to-follow, tutorial slide will show you everything you need to know, from choosing the right data to designing and animating your chart. Choose it now.

A line chart is a valuable tool that should not be overlooked. When presenting it to an audience, it is always important to use high-quality PowerPoint templates . This will ensure that your line chart looks professional and is easy to understand.

So download our communicative templates to ensure that your line chart data is presented in the best possible way. This will make it much easier for your audience to understand and will help you to get your message across effectively.

P.S: Are you looking to find correlations between two variables. Well, we have the perfect scatter plot guide for you, with templates included!

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Line Chart Infographics

It seems that you like this template, free google slides theme, powerpoint template, and canva presentation template.

Slidesgo is back with a template full of line charts, one of the most common (and useful!) types of graphs. The designs play around with the representation of data, usually numeric, by the use of lines. Do you want a flat-styled one? We have it. Maybe one that looks 3D? We have it. Just download them and choose the one you prefer!

Features of these infographics

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• 30 different infographics to boost your presentations
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Home Blog Design How to Make a Presentation Graph

How to Make a Presentation Graph

Visuals are a core element of effective communication, and regardless of the niche, graphs facilitate understanding data and trends. Data visualization techniques aim to make data engaging, easy to recall and contextualize while posing as a medium to simplify complex concepts .

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a presentation graph, briefly covering the types of graphs you can use in presentations, and how to customize them for maximum effectiveness. Additionally, you can find references on how to narrate your graphs while delivering a presentation.

Table of Contents

What is a Presentation Graph?

Types of graphs commonly used in presentations, how to select a presentation graph type, design principles for effective presentation graphs, working with presentation graph templates, integrating the graph into your presentation, common mistakes to avoid when making a presentation graph, final words.

A presentation graph is a visual representation of data, crafted in either 2D or 3D format, designed to illustrate relationships among two or more variables. Its primary purpose is to facilitate understanding of complex information, trends, and patterns, making it easier for an audience to grasp insights during a presentation. 

By visually encoding data, presentation graphs help highlight correlations, distributions, and anomalies within the dataset, thereby supporting more informed decision-making and discussion. 

Various types of graphs are commonly used in presentations. Each type serves specific purposes, allowing presenters to choose the most suitable format for conveying their data accurately. Here, we’ll discuss some common examples of presentation graphs.

Check our guide for more information about the differences between charts vs. graphs .

A bar chart is a visual tool that represents data using horizontal bars, where the length of each bar correlates with the data value it represents. This type of chart is used to compare discrete categories or groups, highlighting differences in quantities or frequencies across these categories. 

For more information check our collection of bar chart PowerPoint templates .

Column Graphs

Column graphs are a variation of bar charts. They display data through vertical columns, allowing for comparing values across different categories or over time. Each column’s height indicates the data value, making it straightforward to observe differences and trends.

Line Graphs

Line graphs depict information as a series of data points connected by straight lines. They are primarily used to show trends over time or continuous data, with the x-axis typically representing time intervals and the y-axis representing the measured values. Line graphs highlight the rate of change between the data points, indicating trends and fluctuations.

For more information check our collection of line chart PowerPoint templates .

Circle Graphs

Circle graphs, commonly known as pie charts or donut charts, present the data distribution as fractions of an entity. They provide a quick understanding of the relative sizes of each component within a dataset. Pie charts are particularly effective when the goal is to highlight the contribution of each part to the whole data.

For more information check our collection of circle diagram templates .

Area Graphs

Area graphs are similar to line graphs, but the space below the line is filled in, emphasizing the volume beneath the curve. They represent cumulative totals over time through the use of sequential data points, making it easier to see total values and the relative significance of different parts of the data.

For more information check our collection of area chart PowerPoint templates .

Cone, Cylinder, and Pyramid Graphs

Three-dimensional graphs, such as cones, cylinders, and pyramids, create a dynamic visual impact on presentations. While not as common as the other types, they are used for their ability to add depth and dimension to data representation. These graphs create a visually engaging experience for the audience, although sometimes they sacrifice accuracy for the sake of visuals.

For more information check our collection of pyramid diagram PowerPoint templates .

As a presenter, you must be aware of both the topic’s requirements to discuss and your audience’s needs. Different graphs fulfill distinct purposes, and selecting the right one is critical for effective communication.

Line Graphs for Trends Over Time

A line graph is effective when you want to present trends or changes over a continuous period, like sales performance over months. Each point on the line represents a specific time, offering a clear visual representation of the data’s progression.

Bar Graphs for Comparing Quantities

If your goal is to compare quantities or values across different categories, such as sales figures for various products, a bar graph is suitable. The varying lengths of bars make it easy to compare the magnitudes of different categories.

Pie Charts for Showing Proportions

Use pie charts when you want to illustrate parts of a whole. For example, to represent the percentage distribution of expenses in a budget, a pie chart divides the total into segments, each corresponding to a category.

Follow these guidelines to create your presentation graph for the data you intend to represent. 

How to Make a Presentation Graph in PowerPoint

Start by opening your presentation slide deck. For this tutorial’s purpose, we’ll work with a blank slide.

Switch to the Insert tab and click on Chart . 

A new dialogue window will open, where you have to select the chart type and the specific representation type—i.e., for area charts, you can choose from 2D or 3D area charts and their distribution method.

If you hover over the selected chart, it will zoom in to check the details. Double-click to insert the chosen graph into the slide.

As we can see, a spreadsheet to edit the data is now available. If you accidentally close it, go to Chart Design > Edit Data.

Replace the data in the numbers to reflect the data you need to showcase. The columns’ titles indicate the text the legend shows for each series. Then, we can close the spreadsheet and continue customizing it.

By clicking on the paintbrush, we access the Style options for the graph. We can change the background color, layout style, and more.

If we switch to the Color tab inside of Style , we can modify the color scheme for the presentation graph. And as simple as that is how to make a graph in PowerPoint.

How to Make a Presentation Graph in Google Slides

Now, let’s see how to create a graph in Google Slides. We start once again from a blank slide.

Go to Insert > Chart . Select your desired presentation graph option. In our case, we will work with a Pie Chart.

To change the placeholder data, click on Edit Data .

If you missed the emergent tab, you can go to the three points in the graph, click on them, and select Open Source .

The graph will most likely cover the data spreadsheet, so move it to one side to see the entire data range. In this case, the auto-generated graph is wrong as the sum gives 110%. We’ll correct that now.

And this is how it looks with the corrected data.

Next, we click on the three dots on the chart and select Edit the Chart . This shall open all customization options.

At the Setup tab, we can change the chart style and select from various options. 

The data will refresh in that case and adapt its representation to the new style.

If we switch to the Customize tab (it says Customise, as the selected language is UK English), we can fine-tune our presentation graph starting from the background color.

Activate the 3D checkbox to change to a 3D pie chart (applicable to any graph).

We can find tailored settings for the Pie Chart to convert it to a donut chart, with settings like the donut hole size.

The Pie Slice section helps us change the color scheme for each one of the slices.

We can change the title and axis titles in the Chart and axis titles section.

Finally, the Legend section offers many customization options to alter the legend’s format.

Once the customization process is completed, close the Google Spreadsheets tab, go to your presentation chart, and click Update .

Google Slides will refresh the data for your created presentation graph with the last synced data.

Adhering to certain design principles is imperative for creating graphs and communicating information effectively.

Simplicity and Clarity

A graph should be clean and free from unnecessary details. Clear graphs have visible data points and helpful short texts for better understanding. Even if it looks simple, it can still show important information. To make it easy to understand, avoid adding distortions, shading, weird perspectives, too many colors, unnecessary decorations, or 3D effects [2]. It is also essential to ensure the plotted data points are clear, not hidden or covered.

Use of Color and Contrast

Thoughtful use of color and contrast enhances visual appeal and distinguishes different elements within the graph. Colors can effectively improve the chart presentation in three ways: highlighting specific data, grouping items, and encoding quantitative values. However, do not use fancy or varying colors in the background. We suggest resisting decorating graphs excessively, as it can hinder clear data presentation [4]. Only use different colors when they highlight important differences in the data.

Labeling and Legends

Accurate labeling is crucial to provide context and understanding. While designing graphs, we don’t expect the viewer to guess. Instead, we clearly label titles and axes.  Clear labeling means displaying both axes on your graph, including measurement units if needed. Identify symbols and patterns in a legend or caption [3]. Legends explain symbols and patterns in a graph.

Scale and Proportion

For more clarity, we keep the measurement scales consistent and avoid distortions for accuracy. This ensures the exact difference between all the values. It will present data relationships and prevent misinterpretation due to skewed visual perceptions.

Tips for Customizing Graphs

PowerPoint provides various customization options—Right-click on elements like axes, data points, or legends to format them. You can also change colors, fonts, and styles to match your presentation’s look.

Coloring Your Data

When you want to make different parts of your chart stand out, click on a bar or line. Then, right-click and choose “Format Data Series.” Here, you can pick a color that helps each set of data pop. Do this for each part of your chart to make it visually appealing.

Changing the Chart Background

If you want to change the background color around your chart, right-click on the white space. Choose “Format Chart Area” and change the background color to something that complements your data.

Customizing Line Styles

Change the appearance of your lines for a unique look. Click on a line in your chart, right-click, and select “Format Data Series.” Experiment with different line styles, such as solid, dashed, or dotted.

Fine-tuning Axis Appearance

To make your chart axes look polished, right-click on the X or Y axis and choose “Format Axis.” Adjust properties like line color, tick marks, and label font to suit your design.

Perfecting Legends

Legends can be tweaked for a more integrated look. Right-click on the legend, select “Format Legend,” and adjust options like placement, font size, and background color to enhance the overall appearance.

Creating graphs in PowerPoint or Google Slides from scratch can be time-consuming, and ultimately, it won’t yield the same results as professional-made designs. We invite you to discover some cool designs for presentation graphs PPT templates made by SlideModel.

1. Dashboard Presentation Graph for PowerPoint & Google Slides

Don’t worry about how to make a graph in PowerPoint – let’s us bring the resources in the shape of a cool dashboard layout. Ideal for any kind of e-commerce business, you can track expenses or income, evaluate metrics, and much more.

Use This Template

2. Infographic Donut Chart Presentation Template

Explain concepts in different hierarchy levels, or processes that require a set of sequential steps by implementing this donut chart PPT template. Each segment has a bubble callout to expand further information for the areas required.

3. Presentation Graph Slide Deck PPT Template

All that’s required to create a data-driven presentation is here. Customize donut charts, funnels, histograms, point & figure charts, and more to create professionally-designed presentation slides.

4. PowerPoint Charts Slide Deck

If you’re looking for clean layouts for column graphs, area charts, line graphs and donut charts, this is the template you need in your toolbox. Perfect for marketing, financial and academic reports.

Consider its relevance to the content when incorporating your graph into the presentation. Insert the graph in a slide where it logically fits within the flow of information.

Positioning the Graph Appropriately in the Presentation

Deciding where to put your graph in the presentation is essential. You want it to be where everyone can see it easily and where it makes sense. Usually, you place the graph on a slide that talks about the data or topic related to the graph. This way, people can look at the graph simultaneously when you talk about it. Make sure it is not too small. If needed, you can make it bigger or smaller to fit nicely on the slide. The goal is to position the graph so that it helps your audience understand your information better.

Ensuring Consistency with the Overall Design of the Presentation

Align the graph with the overall design of your presentation to maintain a cohesive visual appeal. You can use consistent colors, fonts, and styles to integrate the graph seamlessly. The graph must complement the theme and tone of your slides. Therefore, you should avoid flashy or distracting elements that may deviate from the established design. The goal is to create a harmonious and professional presentation where the graph blends naturally without causing visual disruptions. However, we recommend you use bar chart templates already available for presentation.

Narrating Your Graph

When explaining your graph during the presentation, start by providing context. Clearly state what the graph illustrates and its significance to the audience. Use simple and direct language, avoiding unnecessary jargon. It is important to walk through the axes, data points, and any trends you want to highlight. Speaking moderately allows the audience to absorb the information without feeling rushed. You can take pause when needed to emphasize crucial points or transitions.

You can learn more about creative techniques to narrate your graph in our data storytelling guide.

Overloading with Information

One common mistake is presenting too much information on a single graph. Avoid filling the graph with excessive data points or unnecessary details.

Misleading Scales or Axes

Scale mistakes, such as uneven intervals or a bar chart with zero baselines, are common graphical mistakes [5]. Misleading scales can distort the interpretation of the graph and lead to incorrect conclusions. Scales should accurately present the data without exaggerating certain aspects.

Inappropriate Graph Types for the Data

Selecting an inappropriate graph type for your data is a mistake to avoid. Choose a graph type that effectively communicates the nature of your data. For instance, a pie chart for time-based trends might not be the most suitable choice. Match the graph type to the data characteristics to convey information accurately.

Working with presentation graphs may feel challenging for a beginner in presentation design software. Still, practice makes the master. Start by clearly stating your objectives in terms of data representation—this will make the presentation graph-type selection process much easier. Customize the graph by working with appropriate color combinations (you can learn more about this in our color theory guide), as this can also help highlight relevant data sections that may influence an informed decision.

Everything depends on your creative skills and how you want to showcase information. As a final piece of advice, we highly recommend working with one graph per slide, unless you opted for a dashboard layout. Ideally, graphs should be seen from a distance, and working with reduced sizes may hinder accurate data representation.

[1] https://uogqueensmcf.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/BA Modules/Medical Laboratory/Medical Laboratory Courses PPT/Year III Sem II/Biostatistics/lecture 1.pdf (Accessed: 06 March 2024).

[2] Five Principles of Good Graphs. https://scc.ms.unimelb.edu.au/resources/data-visualisation-and-exploration/data-visualisation

[3} Guide to fairly good graphs. Statistics LibreTexts. https://stats.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Applied_Statistics/Biological_Statistics_(McDonald)/07%3A_Miscellany/7.02%3A_Guide_to_Fairly_Good_Graphs

[4] Practical rules for using color in charts. https://nbisweden.github.io/Rcourse/files/rules_for_using_color.pdf

[5] https://iase-web.org/islp/documents/Media/How%20To%20Avoid.pdf [6] Duquia, R.P. et al. (2014) Presenting data in tables and charts , Anais brasileiros de dermatologia . 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143388

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How to Make a Line Graph in Google Slides in 60 Seconds

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Charts and graphs bring new data insights to your slides. They help your audience visualize concepts and see data in real life. Google Slides makes it easy to create a variety of charts. One of the best and simplest is a line graph—and you’ll learn how to build one in this 60-second screencast.

Free eBook Download : Guide to Making Great Presentations

Before we dig into the details on how to make a line graph in Google Slides, I want to make you aware of another great resource we've got. Our free eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations will teach you all about the presentation process. You'll learn how to  write, design, and deliver a presentation with impact.

Note:  In this tutorial we use the eye-catching Balaga Google Slides template .  You can find more great Google Slides templates  on Envato Elements or GraphicRiver .

How to Make a Google Slides Line Graph

Note : Watch this short tutorial screencast or follow the quick steps below, that complement this video.

1. Insert a Line Graph in Google Slides

You can insert a line graph on a slide with just a few quick steps. First, navigate to the slide you want to insert a chart on. Then go up to the Insert menu, hover over Chart , and then click Line . A starter chart will instantly appear on your slide. 

Just like images, you can resize, reposition, and scale the chart on the slide. Click to drag, or grab a corner to expand or reduce the size of your chart. This is ideal if you need to fit your data into a confined space. 

2. Change Chart Data in Google Slides

The chart that Google Slides automatically inserts includes only placeholder data. You’ll need to update it to fit your needs. To do this, click on the icon in the upper right corner of the chart, which is labeled Linked chart options. Then, on the dropdown, click Open source . This will launch a Google Sheets tab. 

With this spreadsheet tool, you can fully customize your data—headers, axis titles, and of course, numerical data. Simply type your new values over the old and the chart will automatically adjust.

3. View Line Graphs in Google Slides

Once you’ve updated all your data, navigate back to your Google Slides presentation. One of the best features of Google Sheets and Slides is that it automatically saves all changes. 

Once you’re back in your presentation, you’ll find a new chart exactly tailored to your needs. If you need to make corrections, it’s easy—simply use the Open source command again, and adjust as needed. The chart will instantly update to reflect any new or deleted data.

4. Finishing Up!

As you can see, simple charts are an elegant and refined way to present your data. They’re really must-have items in a presentation for clarity and style. Line graphs are easy to create and modify in Google Slides, thanks to the seamless integration with Google Sheets.

More Envato Tuts+ Google Slides Tutorials

Learn more in our  Google Slides tutorials  on Envato Tuts+. We've got an assortment of Google Slides material, such as these helpful tutorials:

Make the Perfect Google Slides Slideshow 

Now that you've learned about how to make a line graph in Google Slides, it's time to take a look at the rest of your presentation. We've got a great resource to help you make better Google Slides presentations . Our free eBook will guide you through the presentation creation steps from writing to designing to presenting.

Download the eBook:  The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations today. Get it for free with a subscription to the Tuts+ Business Newsletter.

PowerPoint Charts, Graphs, & Tables Made Easy | Tips & Tricks

In today's digital world, effective communication is key, especially in presentations. After all, in a world saturated with information, the power to express your message clearly and impactfully can make all the difference.

We know that conveying complex information can be challenging, but guess what? It doesn't have to be! After discussing this with our 200+ expert presentation designers , I've gathered their best practices and strategies to create this comprehensive guide.

Below, you will find expert tips and tricks for making, customizing, and presenting PowerPoint charts, graphs, and tables. Stay with us!

Today, we'll explore the following topics:

• PowerPoint Charts and Graphs 

Tables in PowerPoint

Free powerpoint charts, graphs, and tables templates, ready to enhance your presentations our team at 24slides is here to help, powerpoint charts and graphs.

If you are thinking of adding tables to your PowerPoint presentation, let me first show you two other great options: charts and graphs.

Charts and graphs stand out for making complex information easy to read at a glance. They’re ideal for identifying trends, representing patterns, and making decisions easier. In addition, charts and graphs capture the audience's attention.

You have many types to choose from, and we'll go over the most important ones later. In the meantime, here are some examples:

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to take your presentations to the next level.

But you may have a question in mind: What is the difference between a chart and a graph in PowerPoint? Charts refer to any visual representation of data, whether graphical or non-graphical (such as tables). Graphs, on the other hand, refer specifically to the graphical representation of data (such as bar charts).

In other words, all graphs are charts, but not all charts are graphs.

People often confuse these terms in PowerPoint, but they actually refer to different visual elements.

How to Make a Chart in PowerPoint?

First, go to the Insert tab. Then, click on Chart and select your favorite chart type. Finally, enter your data or copy it from somewhere else. Simple!

Here you have the detailed step-by-step instructions:

• Select the slide where you want to add the chart. Choose the Insert tab, then select the Illustrations group's Chart option.

• A dialog box for inserting charts will appear. Choose a category on the left, then double-click the chart you want on the right.

• When inserted, the chart appears alongside a spreadsheet. Here, you have to replace the placeholder data with your own details. 

To edit your chart's content, use the selection handles in the spreadsheet to add or remove data.

• When inserting a chart, you will see small buttons on the upper right side of the chart. 

Format using the Chart Elements button. Click on “+” to tweak the chart title, data labels, and more. Use the Chart Styles button (brush) to change the chart's color or style. Finally, the Chart Filters button (funnel) will show or hide data from your chart.

Customizing Charts in PowerPoint

We already know about the power of PowerPoint charts, but we still have one more step to take: customizing them.

• Edit data: You can modify data directly in PowerPoint. Just double-click on the chart to open the associated Excel spreadsheet. Here, you can add, delete, or edit data. If you want to do it like a pro, check out how to Link or Embed an Excel File in PowerPoint. 
• Change the design: Go to the design tab. Here, you can add or remove elements such as titles, captions, labels, etc.
• Change color and style: Select the format tab. In this section, you will find options to change the chart's color and style. You can even make individual changes.
• Add shape effects: Go to the format tab and unleash your creativity. You can add shadows, reflections, and 3D effects.

And there you have it; now you know how to customize your PowerPoint Chart. If you are looking for more inspiration, take a look at our detailed Flowchart and Gantt Chart articles.

Chart vs table

Is a chart better than a table?

We already know the importance of using tables in PowerPoint presentations. However, you may have a question in mind: are charts better than tables? The short answer is: it depends.

First off, think about what type of data you are dealing with and, most importantly, what message you are trying to get across.

Charts are great for showing trends, making comparisons, and connecting data points. They’re also visually appealing. Conversely, tables could be your perfect selection for numerical data and comprehensive details.

The most important types of charts in PPT and which one is best for you

We have checked out why adding visuals is a game-changer for your presentations. However, which one is best for your needs? 

Based on our more than 10 years of expertise and creating around 17,500 slides per month, these are the charts most requested by our customers. Let's explore each one!

“Columns, bars, lines, and pie charts are top picks for clients because they're more descriptive and easier to get for the audience.” Briana/ Design Manager

Column Chart

Ideal for making comparisons. You can represent data in an attractive and clear way. It’s also a great option for showing changes over time. Here, you can emphasize the difference in quantities.

Imagine you're tracking sales for a store. If you have many categories of sales data and need to compare them, a column chart could be just what you need.

Download our Free Column Chart Template here.

Like the column chart, the bar chart can simplify complex information quickly , especially when comparing data. But, the horizontal layout might influence how people see things, potentially altering how they understand your data. Keep this in mind!

When you have long category labels or many categories, choose a bar chart instead of a column chart. Horizontal bars are easier to read and take up less space in the presentation.

Download our Free Bar Chart Template here.

The top choice for showing trends over time. You can even combine it with other charts. For example, you can add them to a column chart to display different data at a glance. This makes it easier for viewers to understand complex information.

But how to make a line graph in PowerPoint? First, click on the Insert tab. Then, click on Graph and select Line Graph. That's it—it's as simple as that.

Download our Free Line Chart Template here .

The best for showing proportions. Not only is it easy to understand, but you will also be able to illustrate percentages or parts of a whole.

Pie charts are easy to create, you need to figure out the percentages or proportions of each data category. But remember, keep the chart to six or fewer sections. This maintains data impact, avoiding confusion.

Download our Free Pie Chart Template here .

How to Use Charts and Graphs Effectively?

We already know how to use PowerPoint charts, graphs, and tables, but we want to go one step further. Here are the best tips for making effective PowerPoint presentations.

• Choose the right type of chart. Choose graphics that best suit your data. For example, use column or bar charts to compare categories, line charts to show trends over time, and pie charts to display parts of a whole.
• Be selective. Avoid using too much information, eliminate irrelevant details, and keep it simple. By focusing on the most important data points, you enhance the clarity of the information for your audience.
• Pay attention to color. When presenting data , keep in mind the consistency of the colors and make sure essential information stands out. Avoid using too many colors here, as this can be distracting.
• Add context. Make your titles clear and descriptive. Labels should also serve as a guide for viewers to understand everything easily. This could mean explaining trends, defining terms, or just describing where the data comes from.
• Consistency. Use the same style and format for your graphics and data. Ensure brand consistency in a presentation is key. This creates a professional and polished visual presentation.
• Be creative. Try unique ways to showcase your data, like infographics or custom graphics. For example, you can use a bar chart to compare categories and a line chart to show the trend over time.

Pro Tip: Creating a PowerPoint infographic is one of the most creative ways to present data. They provide a visually engaging and easy-to-follow format for presenting complex information. Briana/ Design Manager

PowerPoint tables help organize and display data in a structured way for presentations. They’re made up of rows and columns containing text, numerical data, or other information.

Tables are awesome for showing comparisons, summarizing information, sharing research findings, and planning. Because of all that, they are a top choice for visualizing financial or statistical data. They’re incredibly versatile and practical!

All you need to do is put the right labels on, and reading should be a breeze. Believe us, your audience will appreciate it. Do you want to present data in detail and make comparisons? Then, this is your best option.

People have been using PowerPoint tables for a long time. Why? That's simple: they’re easy to read.

Here's an example:

Download our Free Table Template here .

How to Make a Table in PowerPoint?

Inserting tables in PowerPoint is quite simple. Just click on Insert and then on Table . Next, just drag the mouse down to choose the number of rows and columns you need.

Should you require a bigger table? You can manually select the values for the columns and rows. 

Customizing tables in PowerPoint

Now that we know how to create a table in PowerPoint, let's customize it. But first, let's learn how to add rows and columns in PowerPoint.

• How to add a row to a table in PowerPoint?

Click on a cell in the existing table. Go to the Layout tab in the ribbon and select Insert . Select Insert Rows Above or Insert Rows Below , depending on where you want to add the new row.

• How to add a column to a table in PowerPoint?

Click on an adjacent cell in the table. Go to the Layout tab in the ribbon and then select Insert . Choose either Insert Columns Left or Insert Columns Right , depending on where you want to add the new column.

Now that you have the structure of your table ready, let's give it some styling:

• Applying style in your table presentation

To edit your tables, first select a cell. Then, click on the Design tab to pick the style you like best. Finally, click on the drop-down arrow to see the complete Table Styles gallery .

That's it. Now you know how to use tables in PowerPoint.

How to Use Tables Effectively?

Tables are powerful tools for presenting data in a structured format. They can enhance clarity, facilitate comparisons, and convey complex information.

However, when you don't use them correctly, they can have the opposite effect, making the information flat and boring. So here are golden rules to help you:

Keep it simple

Don't overload your table with too much information. Focus on the most important information to keep it clear and easy to read. Remember, the powerful presentation of data is in simplicity.

Consider whether gridlines are necessary for your table. Removing them can make your board look cleaner and more professional.

Although many don't mention it, choosing the right words is vital. The more you can say of the same idea in fewer words, the better. Avoid using words or connectors that add nothing to the message.

Highlight key data points

Make your table pop using bold, italics, or fun colors to highlight important data or headings. This will make the table easier to read.

Consider adding shades for alternate rows to make your table easier to read. Make the shadow subtle, to avoid distraction from the data itself.

You can use color to emphasize backgrounds or text. No matter which method you opt for to add contrast, remember that “less is more” when creating an effective table.

Consistency

Consistency is crucial in tables, as it is in graphics. Ensure that the font style, size, and color are the same across the entire table. This helps maintain visual harmony.

Align your text and numbers properly so they're easier to read and give your table a polished look. If you will use decimals, think about aligning them to facilitate comparisons.

In this article, we have explored the benefits of incorporating visuals like charts, graphs, and presentation tables in PowerPoint. We also know how to add them and ensure they look good. 

Just remember to pick the right chart and keep your presentations consistent.

And as I said at the beginning, conveying complex information doesn't have to be challenging! Our Templates by 24Slides platform has hundreds of free PowerPoint charts, graphs, and table templates. 

You can download and combine different templates to create a shiny PowerPoint Presentation. All the examples in this article are fully customizable, allowing you to insert your data without worrying about design. Enjoy them!

Knowing how to use PowerPoint charts, graphs, and tables can make the difference between a successful presentation and a failed one. However, mastering the art of presenting data takes more time and effort. 

The good news? You can always trust professionals to do the heavy work, allowing you to focus on improving your product or service — what really matters to your business.

With an average satisfaction score of 4.8 out of 5 from over 1.3 million redesigned slides, it's safe to say we're incredibly proud of the product we deliver.

We're the world's largest presentation design company.

Not only will you receive an attractive presentation, but we will create one that fits your brand's visual guidelines. Most importantly, it will help emphasize your message and engage your audience.

Ready to elevate your PowerPoint presentations? Explore this content!

• PowerPoint 101: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
• Mastering the Art of Presenting Data in PowerPoint
• The Ultimate Brand Identity Presentation Guide [FREE PPT Template]
• 7 Essential Storytelling Techniques for your Business Presentation
• The Cost of PowerPoint Presentations: Discover the hidden expenses you might overlook!

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Blog Data Visualization A Complete Guide to Line Charts

A Complete Guide to Line Charts

Written by: Lydia Hooper Sep 24, 2021

Line charts are one of the most common types of data visualizations , and they are incredibly useful for a wide variety of professionals.

In this article, I will draw from my experience as a senior information designer to share all you need to know about line charts, from basics to best practices.

You can then use Venngage’s Chart Maker with customizable line chart templates to create line charts that best visualize your data, in just several simple steps.

Table of contents:

What is a line chart, what is a line chart used for.

• Common challenges or errors

How to create a line chart with Venngage

• Best practices for creating a line chart

FAQs about line charts

A line chart—also called a line graph—is a visual representation of numeric or quantitative data that shows the relationship between two variables.

A variable is basically anything that can change, like amounts, percentage rates, time intervals, etc. These variables are on the X and Y axes of the graph—or the horizontal line at the bottom and the vertical line at the left, respectively.

A line chart looks like points connected on one or more lines running from left to right on a graph. Each point represents a data value:

Return to Table of Contents

Line charts are often used to show continuous data, which is data that cannot be counted in whole numbers, such as numbers of products sold. Rather, it is always on a continuum and can have any imaginable value, including fractions or decimal points. This could be time, temperature, measurements, cost, etc.

Line charts are used to show how a change in one variable or number affects changes in another. They are often used to show, for example, changes that happen over time . In this case, time is on the horizontal axis, with older dates to the left and newer dates to the right.

For example, when used in a business report or plan, a line chart could describe how sales change from quarter to quarter, how the percentage of upgrades changes month-to-month, or how employee satisfaction has varied from year to year.

By visualizing these numbers in a line chart, you can spot trends and patternsmore easily and perhaps even make forecasts.

Some line charts contain more than one line, which allows for additional comparisons between categories or groups.

Common line graph challenges or errors

While two or three lines on a line chart can provide some additional information and clarity, too many lines can make the chart difficult to read. If you’re wondering how many lines are too many, check out the answer in the FAQ section.

You can use color to make the chart easier to read, but beware: using too many colors can render the chart confusing and make it hard for readers to follow all the data points.

This simple line chart is a good example of proper color use as it helps separate the most important data (the company’s upgrade rates) from the other data points (competitors’ upgrade rates), while managing to provide a good comparison between the two data sets at the same time.

Sometimes you won’t have all the data you need to “connect the dots” so to speak. For example, you may be missing data for some months or years. If you choose to use a line graph in these instances, it’s very important to make sure your audience is aware of these gaps, so they don’t misinterpret the information and draw erroneous conclusions.

This line graph displays information about employee engagement rates in the U.S. Notice how it presents data gaps really clearly:

When not to use a line chart

Sometimes a line chart just won’t be the best way to visualize the data. If you are working with data that is not numeric, you will probably want to use a bar chart instead. If you want to look at categories of any kind, even if the data is numeric, a bar chart is a great solution.

Here is an example of a histogram, which is a type of bar chart that shows how numbers or frequencies are distributed across a range of numbers:

You can start making a line chart today using Venngage’s Chart Maker , even if you have very little experience. Just follow these easy steps.

1. Start with one of Venngage’s superb chart templates

You will be able to edit all of the visual elements in the template, so look for one that has a style you prefer or that has the components (text boxes, number of charts, etc.) that you need.

Customize the chart templates included in this post or check out the full line chart template library here:

2. Double click the chart and add your data to the table

You can upload a Google Sheet, CSV or XLSX file if you prefer.

3. Edit the chart settings to make your design

This includes colors, fonts, labels, line width, point size, etc. Use the tips provided below to make sure your chart is easy to understand.

4. Complete your design with additional visual elements

You can change the colors and fonts in the templates to fit your company brand. You can also change or add icons or photos that help you tell your data story.

5. Download and/or share your finished chart

A free Venngage user can share their chart using a public link. Upgrade to a paid account in order to download your chart in PNG, PDF, Interactive PDF or even in PPTX format to be used in PowerPoint slides.

With a  Business account, you can even share your chart with your team to get their comments:

Or collaborate with your team members to edit your charts in real time :

Best practices for creating a great line graph

It’s one thing to create a line chart, it’s another to create one that achieves your purpose or goal.

Whether you are wanting to help your team understand the progress being made towards goals, or your customers understand how your product is scientifically superior, these tips will help you make sure your line chart communicates what you need it to and doesn’t end up falling into the unfortunate category of a bad infographic .

Label X and Y axes

Help your reader know exactly what relationship you are explaining with clear axis titles. Indicate what’s being counted on each horizontal and vertical axis. Dollars? Percentages? Months in the year 2020?

If you are using multiple lines in your graph, the data should be similar for each, with each category you are comparing having the same unit and scale.

For example, this line chart uses different lines for different companies, but overall it displays information about how sales in dollars have changed over the years from 2010 to 2014.

Don’t use a dual axis, which is when you have an additional Y axis on the right of the chart. It’s incredibly hard to make them work and super hard for your reader to understand. If you need to show comparisons with different units, make two line charts instead.

Break axes into regular intervals

Both the X and Y axis should be segmented in a mathematical fashion, with regular intervals showing the spread of the data. The good news is that if you use Venngage, this is automatic.

Also, make sure the Y axis isn’t distorting the data and thus impeding accurate interpretation.

In general, you should use a zero baseline unless there’s a good reason not to ( this video from Vox explains this in more depth). Again, this is the default in Venngage.

Don’t cherry-pick the data

This is another tip that is non-negotiable. If you are only using the data that supports what you want to believe or profess, then you are not only misleading folks, you are also depriving them of learning what all of the actual data has to say.

When you are communicating data , you have a responsibility to do so honestly. Doing so is the best way to turn these communications into “wins” for your company.

Related : 5 Ways Writers Use Misleading Graphs to Manipulate You

Remove unnecessary clutter

You can make it much easier for people to grasp the major trends or takeaways from your line chart by keeping it as simple as it can be, without losing any of the nuances of the data of course. This is especially important if you are including lots of data points or lines.

For example, use horizontal grid lines if it helps people better read the numbers, but make them light grey so they fade into the background.

Also, instead of a legend, you can label different lines directly on the chart.

Make your chart title useful to readers

People will spend a lot of time reading the text in your chart, according to research , so make that text something helpful to the reader.

Instead of a matter-of-fact title, like “Average Age of Customers” or “Revenue per Quarter”, use a descriptive title that helps the reader better interpret the data in the chart, like “Product Attracts Younger Customers” or “Revenue Declined Last Quarter.”

You can also go beyond the title and label or make notes about things like:

• Exact values for each data point on the line
• Significant values within the chart, such as the highest and lowest ones
• Points in time where significant changes happened

This simple line chart on world coffee consumption is a good example:

Speaking of notes, always, always, always cite the source and date of your data beneath the chart.

This may be a hyperlink to an external data source or a note about how the data was collected, like “Annual employee survey, 2020.”

Use color to highlight what matters

Color is not just a way to make your chart “prettier.” When it comes to communicating data, color is an important communication aid. You can use it to help people instantly:

• Recognize what matters most, be it points or lines
• Compare different categories or lines
• Connect with the content thematically and/or emotionally

How many lines is too many lines in a line chart?

There is no hard and fast rule, because it really depends on your audience, the size of the chart, the shape of the lines, the style of the chart, etc. However, a good rule of thumb is that the lines should be far enough apart that they are easy to read individually, and each line should have a purpose.

Each one should allow your audience to answer a key question, like in this example:

When it comes to the chart you are making, it’s very easy to get the answer to this question: just ask your audience.

Asking for input and feedback is a critical part of the design process. You can ask a question such as, “What should I be rethinking to make this chart easier to understand?” and “Which of these lines is the most helpful and which are less helpful?”

What software should I use to make line graphs?

It depends on your audience, the complexity of the dataset, your skill level, and your resources (time and money).

If your audience needs a colorful design to draw them into the data, if you are working with a simple table of data, or if you are short on resources or skills, the best solution is Venngage.

Unlike some other easy-to-use alternatives, Venngage offers the design flexibility that’s needed to create charts well, plus hundreds of templates relevant for business professionals .

If your audience is highly technical, if the data set is complicated to work with (many data fields in different spreadsheets), and if you have the skills or resources, you can use a more robust software such as Tableau or Power BI.

There is some software that just isn’t ideal for making line charts, because it’s just too complicated or too difficult to learn how to use in a way that makes good line chart design possible. If you want to make a quick line chart strictly for your own use, Excel or Google Sheets is an option, but they are not ideal for high-quality design. Unfortunately, it can take a lot of work to make accurate and great-looking line charts with PowerPoint or Adobe Illustrator.

What is a slope graph?

A slope graph is a type of line chart with often a series of lines that have only a single starting point and a single ending point. They are often used to compare changes that occurred between two dates. Similar to any line chart, they are effective if the number of lines does not inhibit understanding.

What is a sparkline chart?

A sparkline is a very small, very simplified line chart where there may or may not be labeled axes.

They are often part of a series of sparklines that can provide a high-level view of changes over time in different categories. They are not good for making precise comparisons, and they assume that the viewer has some pre-existing knowledge of the data set. They are more often seen in dynamic data dashboards than in print or digital infographics.

Here’s an example of a series of sparklines within a Google Analytics dashboard:

When can/should a line chart be an area chart?

An area chart is essentially a line chart with the area beneath the line colored.

Naturally, the colored area draws attention, potentially away from the shape of the line. For this reason, they are good for only very specific scenarios in which the chart is describing how percentage rates have changed over time.

Area charts can be great alternatives to pie charts if you want to show not only percentages but change over time.

Also read : Pie Charts and Other Ways to Show Percentages in Infographics

Again, it is wise to be careful about how many lines you include in an area chart. More than two lines is too many, and the lines should be spaced far enough apart that they can be read separately.

What is the difference between a line chart and a scatter plot?

Like a line chart, a scatter plot (also called a scatter chart) includes data points and allows for comparisons between two variables, each on an axis of the chart. However, the data points do not create a line because the relationships between the variables are more varied.

For example, here’s a scatter chart that shows relationships between park size and the number of visitors:

When can/should I use a bar chart and line chart together?

Like all of the others above, this is a good solution in very limited circumstances. The data used in both charts needs to be similar in unit and scale, for example all percentage rates or all dollars.

The best use of this combination is when the line can illuminate a target or goal and the bars can show the actual amounts. In this specific situation, the use of different types of visualizations calls attention to different things but rather than distracting from one another, they collectively tell a more comprehensive data story together.

In summary: Simple but effective, line chart is a versatile data visualization tool that helps display trends, present comparisons and more

Considering how useful and versatile the line chart is, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular ways to visualize data.

But like all chart types, they do require some thoughtful consideration to make them effective. You don’t need to be a designer or an analyst, but you do need to know what to think about.

With this article, you should be well on your way to becoming a pro!

Also check out our FREE course on Becoming an Infographic Design Pro , where you’ll learn how to create infographics that help you reach your business goals. There’s a module that teaches you how to choose the right charts and graphs for your data:

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How to Make a Line Graph in PowerPoint

Are you in need of creating a line graph for your PowerPoint presentation, but don’t know where to start? In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process of making a line graph in PowerPoint, step-by-step. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create an impressive line graph that will effectively communicate your data to your audience.

Table of Contents

Why Use Line Graphs in PowerPoint Presentations

Before we dive into the specifics of creating a line graph in PowerPoint, let’s first understand why line graphs are used in presentations. One of the main reasons is that they are effective at showing trends over time. This makes them a great choice for data that is continuous and where the order of the data points matters.

For example, if you’re presenting sales data over a period of years, a line graph can illustrate how the sales have changed over time, revealing increases and decreases in the data. Additionally, line graphs can be used to compare two or more sets of data simultaneously, which makes them versatile and a valuable tool in business and academic presentations.

Another advantage of using line graphs in PowerPoint presentations is that they are easy to read and understand. The lines on the graph are visually appealing and can be used to highlight important points in the data. This can help to keep your audience engaged and interested in the information you are presenting.

Furthermore, line graphs can be customized to fit the specific needs of your presentation. You can change the colors, fonts, and styles of the lines to match your branding or to make the graph more visually appealing. This can help to make your presentation more professional and polished.

Understanding the Different Types of Line Graphs

Before we start creating a line graph, it’s essential to understand the different types of line graphs and their purpose. The two main types of line graphs are the simple line graph and the multiple line graph.

A simple line graph shows only one set of data and is best used when you have data that doesn’t need comparison to any other data set. On the other hand, a multiple line graph shows two or more sets of data and is best used when comparing data sets. When values for more than one variable are plotted in a single graph, each variable is represented by a separate line.

It’s important to note that line graphs are best used for showing trends over time. They are not ideal for displaying data that has a wide range of values or data that is not continuous. Additionally, line graphs can be misleading if the scale of the y-axis is not properly labeled or if the data is not accurately represented. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully choose the type of graph that best represents your data and to ensure that the graph is accurately labeled and scaled.

Choosing the Right Data for Your Line Graph

The key to creating an effective line graph is to choose the right data for the graph. The data should be continuous and must have a logical order. When selecting data, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are the main points I want to convey?
• What is the time period I need to cover?

Another important factor to consider when choosing data for your line graph is the accuracy of the data. Make sure that the data you are using is reliable and up-to-date. Inaccurate data can lead to incorrect conclusions and misinterpretations.

Additionally, it is important to consider the audience for your line graph. Are you presenting to a technical audience or a general audience? This can impact the level of detail and complexity of the data you choose to include in your graph.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Line Graph in PowerPoint

Now that we understand the different types of line graphs, let’s go ahead and create a line graph in PowerPoint.

• Open PowerPoint and select the slide where you want to insert the line graph.
• Click on the “Insert” tab located in the top menu bar, then click on the “Chart” icon.
• In the “Insert Chart” window that opens, select “Line” from the left-hand menu, then choose the type of line graph you want to create.
• Once you select the line graph, a new Excel workbook will open, and you can input your data into the designated cells.
• After you have entered your data, close the Excel workbook, and your line graph will appear in the PowerPoint slide.

It’s important to note that you can customize your line graph in PowerPoint by changing the colors, fonts, and styles of the graph elements. To do this, simply click on the graph to select it, then use the “Chart Tools” menu that appears to make your desired changes.

Another useful feature of creating a line graph in PowerPoint is that you can easily update the data in the graph if needed. Simply double-click on the graph to open the Excel workbook, make your changes, and then close the workbook to see the updated graph in your PowerPoint slide.

Adding and Formatting Data Series in Your Line Graph

Now that you’ve created your line graph, you can customize it by adding and formatting data series. A data series is a group of related data points. Follow these steps to customize your line graph:

• Click on your line graph to select it.
• Click on the “Design” tab located in the top menu bar, then click on the “Select Data” icon.
• In the “Select Data” window, you can add or edit data series by clicking on the “Add” or “Edit” buttons.
• You can format each data series by clicking on the “Format” button in the “Select Data” window. Here you can customize the color, line type, and marker type of each data series.

It’s important to note that when adding data series to your line graph, you should choose data that is relevant and meaningful to your audience. Too many data series can make your graph cluttered and difficult to read, while too few can make it appear incomplete. Consider the purpose of your graph and the message you want to convey when deciding how many data series to include.

Customizing the Design and Layout of Your Line Graph

You can further customize your line graph by changing its design and layout, which can make it easier for you to communicate your data effectively. Here are some design and layout tips that you can use:

• Choose a color scheme that complements your presentation.
• Use readable fonts and adjust font size depending on the size of the graph.
• Add labels to the axles to clearly show the units of data being plotted.
• Add a title that briefly describes the graph.
• Remove any redundant elements, such as duplicate axis titles.
• Add any relevant annotations such as footnotes or callouts.

Another important aspect to consider when customizing your line graph is the use of gridlines. Gridlines can help to visually organize your data and make it easier for your audience to interpret. You can choose to include horizontal and/or vertical gridlines, and adjust their color and thickness to suit your needs. Additionally, you may want to consider adding a legend to your graph if you have multiple lines or data sets being plotted. The legend can help to clarify which line represents which data set, and can make your graph easier to understand.

Tips and Tricks for Making Your Line Graph Stand Out

If you want to make your line graph more visually appealing, try the following tips and tricks:

• Add animations and transitions to make the different parts of your graph appear on screen separately.
• Use a 3-dimensional perspective to make the lines stand out further.
• Use color gradients to highlight important parts of your chart.
• Use arrow markers to draw attention to specific data points.
• Add drop shadows or reflections.

Another way to make your line graph stand out is to use a unique and eye-catching design for your axis labels and titles. Consider using bold fonts, different colors, or even incorporating images or icons to make your graph more visually appealing and memorable.

Creating Interactive Line Graphs with Animations and Transitions

If you’re looking to create an interactive line graph, consider adding animations and transitions. However, it’s important to note that some animations like “Spin” and “Bounce” affect the whole graph and may not be useful for data representation. Try the following tips when adding animations and transitions to your line graph:

• Use the “Appear” animation to introduce each new data series.
• Add hyperlinks to related content.
• Consider creating a video out of your presentation with voice-over.

Another important aspect to consider when creating interactive line graphs is the use of color. Color can be used to highlight specific data points or trends, and can also be used to differentiate between multiple data series. When choosing colors, it’s important to consider color contrast and accessibility for all viewers. Additionally, you can use tooltips to provide additional information when a viewer hovers over a data point. This can help to provide context and a deeper understanding of the data being presented.

Sharing and Exporting Your Line Graph from PowerPoint

After creating your line graph, you can export it in a format that can be used in other applications. To do this, follow these steps:

• Click on the line graph to select it.
• Click on the “File” tab located in the top menu bar.
• Select “Export” from the left-hand menu.
• Select the format that you want to use, such as “JPEG” or “PDF.”
• Choose the location where you want to save the file and click “Save.”

It is important to note that when exporting your line graph, the quality of the image may be affected. If you plan on using the graph for a presentation or publication, it is recommended to test the exported image beforehand to ensure that it meets your standards.

Creating a line graph in PowerPoint is straightforward, and with the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can make your line graph more engaging and visually appealing. Remember to select the right data, choose a design that matches your presentation, and add animations and transitions that enhance your message. With these in mind, you’ll be able to create a line graph that tells an excellent story.

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How to Make a Line Graph in PowerPoint

A line graph is a visual illustration of continuously changing data in a series of markers on a line segment. A line graph is also called a line chart and line plot. One popular software to create a line graph is MS PowerPoint. If you want to learn how to make a line graph, then continue reading this article. We will give you a simple how-to tutorial on how to make a line graph in PowerPoint.

How to Make A Line Graph in PowerPoint

Step 1 - Open PowerPoint

Open PowerPoint 2013 or later version on your desktop and select a blank presentation, or if you already have slides prepared, choose the one where you want to create a line graph.

Step 2 - Remove text box and placeholder

Press  Ctrl + A  to select text boxes and placeholder text on the slide. Now, click  Delete  to remove them. Then you will get a blank slide.

Step 3 - Insert Chart

Right next to the  Home  tab is the  Insert  tab; click on the  Chart  icon to launch the  Insert Chart  window.

Step 4 - Select Line Graph

You will see different options on the left side of the window. Click on the  Line  option in the navigation pane. Now choose the line chart you want and press  OK  to insert it on your slide. A PowerPoint line chart will appear on your slide. The values will go on the vertical axis, and the bases (categories) will go on the horizontal axis.

Step 5 - Edit your chart

Once you have added the values and all the relevant information, you can change the color, font size, and font style according to your preference. Your PowerPoint line chart is complete now.

Step 6 - Save your document

Close the PowerPoint window once you have edited the data. To save the document, click on the  File  tab in the extreme left corner of the window. Click on the  Save  option to save your file. A pop-up window will appear. Please select the desired file location, name your document, and click on  Save  to keep it on your desktop. 

How to Make A Line Graph in EdrawMax

EdrawMax is a suitable alternative to PowerPoint. Use EdrawMax to create a line graph and other technical diagrams with the help of different useful tools. Display drawing pages in the full-screen mode, like showing a presentation in EdrawMax Online. You can also learn how to make a line graph using this software by following this PowerPoint line chart tutorial.

Step 1: Open EdrawMax Online

Open EdrawMax Online at https://www.edrawmax.com/online/ and then sign in to your account, You’ll get the screen below after signing in.

Step 2: Find line graph

Head over to the  New  tab and then click on the  Graphs and Charts  section. Next, click  Line  to select a line graph. The available templates will then be shown.

Step 3: Open a template

Now select a line chart template of your choice. A new window will pop up with your required line chart.

Step 4: Edit your line graph with the data you want

Add data to your chart. You can also import Excel files directly, and data can be automatically extracted from them.

Step 5: Customize your line graph

Edit your line graph and customize it according to your preference. There are numerous editing options available to ensure your data is presented in the exact way you want!

How to Export An Edraw Chart as A PowerPoint File

Being a versatile graphics tool, EdrawMax allows users to export Edraw documents as PowerPoint files and save the documents in Google Drive and Dropbox. Users can also edit all the exported MS office files from EdrawMax Online in the corresponding programs.

Hence, when you create a line graph in Edraw, you can save it as a PowerPoint file. Click on the  File  option in the left corner of the Edraw desktop window and select the  Export  option. Next, select the  Export to PowerPoint option to save your chart as a PowerPoint file.

Our tutorial on how to make a line graph in PowerPoint and Edraw concludes here. Follow this guide step-by-step to master the process of creating a PowerPoint line graph. Now, prepare and design a line chart on EdrawMax like a pro and deliver an impressive presentation.

EdrawMax Online’s basic features can also be used for free!

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Make Your Best Line Graphs After Learning From These Great Examples

There’s just no way to overemphasize the importance of data to all types of business. Used strategically, data has unmatched potential to improve business operations. 

At the same time, data can be pretty dull and lifeless when presented alone. Nobody wants to spend much time looking at pages of numbers, and without analysis, they don’t mean a whole lot at a glance. Infographics like bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs help audiences understand the data’s story, and they bring the numbers to life in a presentation.

Still, it’s important to choose the right chart to illustrate the right types of data. When is the right time to use a line chart, and how can you create a line graph that engages audiences and tells your data’s story?

What is a line graph?

Often used to illustrate how a data set changes over the course of time, a line graph, also known as a line chart, is a type of infographic that displays data values as points on one or more lines. The values might progress over a chronological scale like a timeline, or the scale could be based on other progressions like populations or monetary values. Most commonly, however, a line chart shows trends over time.

How does a line graph illustrate data? The chart consists of two axes. The vertical axis on a line chart typically identifies an amount of something, such as values in dollars, total sales or number of people. Meanwhile, a line graph’s horizontal axis usually represents the passage of time in hours, days, months or years.

The relationship between two or more data sets is displayed by plotting the values across the chart, then connecting the values with a line. Instead of looking at lists of meaningless numbers, audiences clearly see the relationships between them, which allows for greater insight.

How to create a line graph

Sure, a line graph is a fairly simple infographic that can be created by drawing a horizontal and vertical axis and plotting data points. But it’s 2022, who wants to do anything the old-fashioned way? Instead, we prefer using a line graph generator , software that will create the infographic for us. A variety of line chart creators are available, but we’re partial to Beautiful.ai’s special brand of artificial intelligence.

To create a line graph using Beautiful.ai, start by opening our Line Chart Smart Slide template . The template automatically starts you off with a horizontal and vertical axis, as well as an area for a slide title. When you choose to edit the chart, you can input whatever type of data you are illustrating along each axis. 

Based on the numbers you enter, our AI transforms the data into the line chart template. It’s that simple! Want to add another line to the chart and illustrate another data set? Just add a series from within the editing tool.

Best practices for line chart design

While it’s simple to create a basic line chart using Beautiful.ai’s Smart Slide template , you won’t engage many audiences with a couple of basic lines. Be sure and add some pizzazz to your presentation by creating an eye-catching infographic that truly tells your audience a story. 

The following best practices will boost your line chart design:

• Prepare your data . To ensure you create your line chart accurately and efficiently, prepare your data ahead of time, and structure it so you can transfer it to your slide template effectively.
• Customize your theme . Instead of editing each individual slide’s fonts, background and colors, Beautiful.ai users can customize a theme with settings that automatically apply to each slide added to the deck. Establish a theme with consistent yet vivid colors and fonts that support your brand’s style guide. Your line graph will automatically be designed to match.
• Keep it simple . While you can illustrate multiple data sets in a single line graph, a chart that displays too much will quickly lose audience understanding and attention. Keep your line graph simple by limiting it to two or three lines. Create additional line charts to illustrate extra relationships, if needed.
• Create a legend . If you’re using multiple lines to compare items in your line chart, be sure to identify your data with varying colors.
• Label your axes. Your line graph won’t be complete without the proper labels. Name each axis with what it represents and don’t forget to identify its numeric values.
• Customize your line chart . Make your line chart stand out by highlighting important data points. Beautiful.ai makes it simple to customize your chart, just point to the data you want to highlight and watch as the AI highlights it for you. You even can create text boxes to highlight important information, then drag them anywhere you want on your slide.

Line graph examples for inspiration

Looking for inspiration when designing your line graph? Beautiful.ai features an entire library of suggested slide designs to give you some ideas, including the following line graph examples:

Marketing traffic line chart

This classic line chart compares the fluctuation of monthly website visitors and registrations over a period of five months. The chart features a legend that clearly labels what each line represents, and a key data point is highlighted in a colorful sidebar. 

Performance overview line graph

Two colored lines are used to illustrate changing numbers of revenue and customers over a six-month period of time. We added an engaging and eye-catching photo to the right side of the chart to make the slide pop and to keep our audience interested. 

Growth projection line chart

Not every line chart has to look like a carbon copy of the next. In this line graph example, we used curved lines to illustrate growth projections. The small change makes the slide stand out for audiences used to seeing the traditional angled lines. We also highlighted the most important data insight so there’s no question what story this line graph is trying to tell. 

Samantha Pratt Lile

Samantha is an independent journalist, editor, blogger and content manager. Examples of her published work can be found at sites including the Huffington Post, Thrive Global, and Buzzfeed.

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Line graphs, also called line charts, are used to represent quantitative data collected over a specific subject and a specific time interval. All the data points are connected by a line. Data points represent the observations that are collected on a survey or research. The line graph has an x-axis and a y-axis.

The world today is becoming more and more information-oriented. Every part of our lives utilizes data in one form or another. The tabular representation of data is an ideal way of presenting them systematically. When these numerical figures are represented graphically in the form of a bar graph or a line graph, they become more noticeable and easily understandable, leaving a long-lasting effect on the mind of the observer. Let us understand line graph in detail in the following sections.

What is a Line Graph?

Line graph gives a graphical representation of the changes that had occurred over a given period of time. Line graph has a horizontal axis called the x-axis and a vertical axis called the y-axis. The x-axis usually has a time period over which we would like to measure the quantity of a specific thing or an item in the y-axis. Line graph helps to analyze the trend of whether the quantity in the y-axis is increasing or decreasing over a period of time. Line graph gives a clear picture of an increasing or a decreasing trend.

Line Graph Definition

A line graph is a type of chart or graph that is used to show information that changes over time. A line graph can be plotted using several points connected by straight lines.

Line Graph Example

The line graph shown above represents the sale of bicycles by a bicycle company from the month of January till June. Here, the x-axis represents the time interval and the y-axis represents the number of bicycles sold each month. The dark point on the graph denotes a data point. A data point on a line graph represents the quantity or a number that matches a particular time in the x-axis. In the example shown, the number of bicycles sold in the month of January is 50. Similarly, in the month of February 30 bicycles were sold. We can interpret this data for each month using the data point. The line segment connecting these individual data points gives a picture of whether the sale of bicycles is in an increasing or decreasing trend.

A few key takeaways from line graph are as follows:

• A line graph is a graph that is used to display change over time as a series of data points connected by straight line segments on two axes.
• A line graph is also called a line chart. It helps to determine the relationship between two sets of values, with one data set always being dependent on the other data set.
• They are helpful to demonstrate information on factors and patterns. Line diagrams can make expectations about the consequences of information not yet recorded.
• The slope of the line is the most important observation in this case. The slope represents how steep a line is. It helps in comparing the magnitude of change between any two consecutive points on the graph. For example: The steeper the slope, the greater is the change in magnitude between two consecutive points.

Parts of a Line Graph

Line graph consists of a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis. Most line graphs only deal with positive number values, so these axes typically intersect near the bottom of the y-axis and the left end of the x-axis. The point at which the axes intersect is always (0,0). Each axis is labeled with a data type. For example, the x-axis could be days, weeks, quarters, or years, while the y-axis shows revenue in dollars. Data points are plotted and connected by a line in a "dot-to-dot" fashion.

Let's understand the various parts of a line graph.

• Title: The title of the graph tells us what the graph is all about, i.e., what information is depicted by the graph.
• Labels: The horizontal axis across the bottom and the vertical label along the side tell us what kinds of data are being shown.
• Scales: The horizontal scale across the bottom and the vertical scale along the side tell us how much or how many.
• Points: The points or dots on the graph represent the (x,y) coordinates or ordered pairs. More than one data line can be present in a line graph. Here, data on the horizontal axis is the independent variable, and data on the y-axis is the dependent variable.
• Lines: Straight lines connecting the points give estimated values between the points.

While comparing data sets, the line graph is only useful if the x and y axes follow the same scales. The x-axis is also known as the independent axis because its values do not depend on anything. For example, time is always placed on the x-axis since it continues to change regardless of anything else. The y-axis is also known as the dependent axis because its values depend on variables on the x-axis: at this time, the company had these many sales. The result is that the straight line always progresses in a horizontal fashion and for each x value, there is a unique value of y. For example, the company cannot have two different value sales at the same time.

Reading a Line Graph

Consider the following steps to read and interpret a line graph:

• Look at the title.
• See the labeling of axes.
• Check out the emerging patterns to understand the trend.
• See the data values to get exact figures.

Observe the line graph shown below. Let us read it and list out the key observations from the line graph.

• This graph provides information about the daily sale of hotdogs every day of the week.
• The line graph has an increasing slope, which means that the sale of hot dogs has increased starting from Monday. We can clearly see that there were 40 more hot dogs sold on Thursday than on Monday. (50 were sold on Thursday and 10 were sold on Monday, so the difference is 50 - 10 = 40)
• One other important observation is that the sale remains the same on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Plotting a Line Graph

The following steps can be used to create a line graph.

• Create a table: Draw the x- and y-axes on a page. On the top of the page, place a title that briefly describes the purpose of the chart.
• Label each axis: If time is one of the factors, it should go along the horizontal (x) axis. The other numeric values, i.e., the dependent variables measured should be placed along the vertical (y) axis. Each axis should be labeled with the name of the numeric system as well as the measurements being used. For example, you may label the x-axis with independent variables like hours or months, indicating that each number written on the axis is the number of hours or months. Divide each axis evenly into applicable increments.
• Add data: Data for a line graph is usually presented in a two-column table corresponding to the x- and y-axes. Once you've added your data, your line graph will automatically reflect its values.
• Create a key: If you are comparing multiple items, you'll want to create a key that identifies what each line is by its color.

Important Notes on Line Graph:

Here are some key points to remember while creating line graph.

• Choose the specific title showing the exact information.
• Take variable values in short terms to understand them easily.
• Do not mess with too many lines over the graph. The maximum should be four lines to facilitate comparisons.

Kinds of Data in a Line Graph

Line charts can display continuous data over time, set against a common scale, and are therefore ideal for showing trends in data at equal intervals or over time. As a general rule, use a line chart when your data includes non-numeric (category) data. For example, a shopkeeper wants to analyze the growth of his business over a period of one year. So, the time factor, i.e., the names of months would be considered on the horizontal x-axis whereas the vertical y-axis will be used to depict the numerical values, i.e., the monthly profit.

Line Graph Advantages

The advantages of using line graph are as follows.

• It is beneficial for showing changes and trends over different time periods.
• It is also helpful to show small changes that are difficult to measure in other graphs.
• Line graph is common and effective charts because they are simple, easy to understand, and efficient.
• It is useful to highlight anomalies within and across data series.
• More than one line may be plotted on the same axis as a form of comparison.

Line Graph Disadvantages

Here are some limitations of using line graph.

• Plotting too many lines over the graph makes it cluttered and confusing to read.
• A wide range of data is challenging to plot over a line graph.
• They are only ideal for representing data that have numerical values and total figures such as values of total rainfall in a month.
• If consistent scales on the axis aren't used, it might lead to the data of a line graph appearing inaccurate.
• Also, line graph is inconvenient if you have to plot fractions or decimal numbers.

Line Graph vs Scatter Plot

Observe the two graphs shown below and notice the difference between the two,

Line graph and scatter plot are two different tools. Both the tools have data points that are marked with small circles. A line graph connects every data point with the next data point with a line segment, whereas a scatter plot does not connect individual data points. We can know the trend of growth by looking at the line in a line graph that connects the data points, whereas in a scatter plot a line of regression or the 'line of best fit is drawn which depicts the relationship between two different sets of data along the x-axis and the y-axis. The key difference between a line graph and a scatter plot is that line graph gives how quantitatively the data along the y-axis increases with respect to a given time period, whereas, in a scatter plot, we can see how the data represented in the y-axis changes with increase in the value of data in the x-axis. Graph A is a line graph whereas Graph B is called the scattered graph or scatter plot. These two types of charts record data information on both X and Y axes. The table shown below lists the key differences between a line graph and a scatter plot.

Related Topics:

Check out some interesting articles related to a line graph.

• Linear Graph
• Absolute Value Graph
• Line Graph Calculator

Line Graph Solved Examples

Example 1: A bookshop made a line graph of the number of books it sold each week during a certain period. Based on the information provided in the above line graph, find how many fewer books were sold in week 8 than in week 7.

Number of books sold in week 7 = 90 Number of books sold in week 8 = 10 So, the difference = 80 Therefore, there were 80 fewer books sold in week 8 as compared to week 7.

Example 2: The temperature of a city from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on a day was recorded in the form of a line graph as shown below. Study the graph and answer the following questions. a) At which time of the day was the temperature 40° F? b) What was the maximum recorded temperature?

a) The temperature was 40° F at 5 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. b) The maximum recorded temperature was 60° F.

Example 3: Study the following graph to answer the given questions: Production of two companies A & B over the years is as shown in the figure. For company A, what is the percent decrease in production from 1994 to 1995?

Company A's production in 1994 = 4 million units; Company A's production in 1995 = 3 million units; Difference in production 1994 to 1995 for company A = 4 - 3 =1; Original production = 4

Using the formula :

% Decrease = (Decrease in production/Original production) × 100

Required percentage decrease = \( \dfrac{1}{4} \times 100 = 25\% \) Therefore, there was a decrease of 25%.

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Line Graph Practice Questions

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FAQs on Line Graph

A line graph is a tool used in statistics to analyze the trend of data that changes over a specified interval of time in a coordinate plane . Here the time and data are represented in an x-and-y-axis . It is also called a line chart. The x-axis or the horizontal axis usually has the time; and the data that changes with respect to the time is present in the vertical axis or the y-axis. Data obtained for every interval of time is called a 'data point'. It is represented using a small circle. An example of a line graph would be to record the temperature of a city for all the days of a week to analyze the increasing or decreasing trend.

What is a Data Point in a Line Graph?

The point of intersection on the line graph that matches a time on the x-axis to a data value on the y-axis is called a data point. The data points in a line graph are represented using small circles or dots. They are connected by line segments to determine the growth trend.

What are the Parts of a Line Graph?

The important parts of a line graph are as follows.

• Title: Represents what information is depicted by the graph.
• Labels: The names given to the horizontal x-axis and the vertical y-axis that tell us about the kinds of data that are being shown.
• Scales: The total number of units or quantity along the horizontal and vertical axis. For example, if we are measuring the sale of a number of cups of coffee for every hour in a day, then in the x-axis we can have hour 1, hour 2, hour 3, and so on. In the y-axis, we can have 10, 20, 30, and so on. In the y-axis, the scale is an interval of 10 units, since the number increases by 10 consecutively.
• Lines: Individual line segment connecting two adjacent data points form a line in a line graph.

What are the Steps in Creating a Line Graph?

The steps in creating a line graph are as follows.

• Give a title to the line graph.
• Draw the x-axis and y-axis on the page and label them. The x-axis is an independent variable which is usually a time period and the y-axis is a dependent variable which is usually a quantity. For example, you may label the x-axis with independent variables like hours or months, indicating that each number written on the axis is the number of hours or months. Divide each axis evenly into applicable increments.
• Add data to the line graph by creating a two-column table with values and plot the data points and join them by line segments.
• If multiple line items are being compared, lines with different colors should be drawn to avoid confusion and a key should be created to clearly distinguish each one of them.

What is a Straight Line Graph?

A straight-line graph is a linear graph involving two variables. Its general form is y = mx + c, where 'x' and 'y' are the variables, 'm' is the slope pf graph and 'c' is constant which is the value of 'y' when x = 0.

What are the Advantages of a Line Graph?

A line graph is a tool to do trend analysis on a subject over a period of time. There are some advantages of using a line graph. They are as follows.

• A line graph shows the increase or decrease in trends over different intervals of time, be it a week, or for a number of months or years.
• It helps in detecting small changes that are difficult to measure in other graphs, as we have line segments connecting every 2 data points.
• It is simple and easy to read and interpret.
• It is helpful in highlighting anomalies within and across data series.
• Comparison of data can be done by plotting more than one line. This is done to effectively compare more than one set of similar types of data for varying periods of time.

What are the Disadvantages of a Line Graph?

Though a line graph is easily readable and easy to use, there are some disadvantages too in using them. They are as follows.

• Too many lines in a line graph make it unreadable and cluttered.
• Only a limited range of data can be plotted to make the best use of a line graph.
• Inconsistent scales across the axes would lead to inaccurate data.
• They are not useful when it comes to plot fractions and decimals.

What are the Differences Between a Line Graph and a Scatter Plot?

• Line graph is useful when there is a need to analyze continuous data over a period of time, whereas, scatter plots work best when comparing large numbers of data points without regard to time.
• Line graph has only time periods across the x-axis and any quantitative data along the y-axis, whereas, scatter plots have quantitative data along both the x-axis and y-axis.
• Line graph uses line segments to join the individual data points, whereas, in a scatter plot , data points are not joined here, but a 'line of best fit' is drawn to know the relationship between the data along the x-axis and the y-axis.
• Line graph is useful to analyze the trends of a small amount of data, whereas, scatter plots are used to explore the patterns of large amounts of data .

What is a Double Line Graph?

It is a line graph representation of two sets of information on a single graph. It is generally used for the purpose of comparing the outcomes, information, or events. Usually, the lines are denoted by different colors to have clarity of the data.

How Many Lines Can be Present in a Line Graph?

There can be more than one line in a line graph as it helps to compare the data. It is advisable to use different colors to avoid confusion and errors in interpretation. Avoid using more than 4-5 lines simultaneously as the lines may become an unreadable tangle and you may have a hard time interpreting them.

Line Graph – Definition, Examples, Reading, Creation

What is a line graph, parts of a line graph, types of line graphs, solved problems of line graph, practice problems of line graph, frequently asked questions of line graph.

A line graph , also known as a line chart or a line plot , is commonly drawn to show information that changes over time .

You can plot it by using several points linked by straight lines. It comprises two axes called the “ x-axis ” and the “ y-axis “.

• The horizontal axis is called the x-axis.
• The vertical axis is called the y-axis.

Line Graph Definition

A line graph is a graphical representation of information that changes over a period of time.

It is a chart made by joining points using line segments .

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The image shown above represents the components of a line graph.

Title : It tells us about the data for which the graph is drawn.

X-axis : It tells us about the label on the x-axis, which is the time interval (days of week in the above example).

Y-axis : It tells us about the label on the y-axis, which is the quantity (muffins sold in the above example).

Scales : The horizontal and vertical scales tell us the quantitative value of “how much” or “how many”.

Points: It represents the (x, y) ordered pair .

In the given figure, the point represents that five muffins were sold on Monday.

Trend: You need to connect the points to make the graph. The meeting point of the label on the x-axis and y-axis reveals the movement.

In the above example, the line connecting these individual data points gives a picture of whether the trend of the sale of muffins is increasing or decreasing.

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There are three types of line graphs.

• Simple line graphs : It is formed when you draw just one line to connect the data points. It is also known as a linear graph .

• Multiple line graph: It is formed when you plot more than one line on the same axes. Such a graph shows a change in similar variables over the same period.

Properties of Line Graphs

• It is drawn using straight line segments between points. By joining all points, we get a resulting line that may be a straight line or a curve.
• It has two variables: one is independent while the other is dependent on the first independent variable.
• Ideally, the independent variable is exhibited on the horizontal axis, and the dependent variable is shown on the vertical axis.
• It can show the variation of one quantity with another, also known as variables.

How to Make a Line Graph?

• On the graph paper, draw the x-axis and the y-axis. Do not forget to pen the heading above the table. Look at the reference graph shown below to understand better.
• For instance, if one of the elements is time, it goes on the horizontal axis, which is the x-axis. The other element goes on the vertical axis, the y-axis. Mark the axes as per their individual characteristics. Here, the label for the x-axis will be time or day.

• Using the given data, indicate the values on the graph. Join the points and you’ll see how easy it is to spot the trend now.
• When plotting it, compare multiple items, create a color key to understand what each colored line represents.

Real-life Use of Line Graphs

• Scientists and engineers use these graphs to understand and derive meaning from large chunks of data. Check out the reference image of the graph below.

• Salespersons and businesspersons use them to add depth and validation to their presentations. To compare the sales of two or more products over the same time period, a line graph can be used.

• Mathematicians and statisticians use it to prove and solve their hypotheses and theorems.
• Governments and private entities use it to showcase trends in different fields, such as yearly population growth, rainfall trends in a particular region, etc.

Disadvantages of a Line Graph

Here are some of the major disadvantages of these graphs:

• If we plot too many lines on the same graph, it can become cluttered and hard to read. 
• Application is limited to data sets that have numerical and whole values.
• When data sets have fractional or decimal values, it becomes difficult to plot it.

Benefits of a Line Graph

• It helps to show small shifts that may be getting hard to spot in other graphs.
• It helps show trends for different periods. 
• They are easy to understand.
• To compare data, more than one line can be plotted on the same axis.

How to Read a Line Graph

• Find out what the two axes of the graph represent. 
• Locate the data points on the graph.
• Draw a line that connects the plots to find out if there is any rise or drop in the trend. For multiple patterns , see if the lines are bisecting each other. 

Now let’s do some line graph examples to practice it.

Example 1: The following graph shows Jasmine’s height changes. Understand the graph and try to answer the questions that follow.

Q. What was Jasmine’s height when she was 4 years old?

A. 40 inches

Q. What is the change in Jasmine’s height from 2 years of age to 6 years of age?

A. $50$ $−$ $35 = 15$ inches

Q. When was Jasmine 65 inches tall?

A. 8 years old

Example 2: The table below shows the sales trend of laptops. Represent the data using a line graph.

Solution: 

Example 3: The table shows the speed of the car at different hours for the journey of 10 hours, starting at 7:00 hrs.

Line Graph - Definition with Examples

Attend this Quiz & Test your knowledge.

Using the graph, find the days on which the earnings are over $\$$300.

Look at the graph below. At what time was it the hottest?

Given below is a graph that shows the number of trees planted by an agency every year. Find the year in which the maximum number of trees were planted and the year in which the minimum number of trees were planted.

Can there be more than one line in a line graph?

Yes, there can be more than one line in a line graph. This is usually done when we need to compare two or more sets of information, each set is represented by a line.

Do we always get a straight line in a line graph?

No. The line formed by joining all the data points in a line graph may or may not be straight. The graph with a straight line is called a linear graph.

What is a double line graph?

A double line graph is a type of graph that represents two sets of data or information in a single graph. It is mainly used when we need to compare two sets of information and make inferences.

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How to Make an Animated Line Graph in PowerPoint

Adding animations to line graphs in PowerPoint presentations is an effective way to showcase data trends and highlight key insights. Animated line graphs grab the audience’s attention, tell a clear data story, and make the information more memorable.

Why Animate Line Graphs in Presentations?

Before jumping into the how-to steps, let’s first cover the key benefits of animated line graphs:

Step 1: Insert a Line Graph into Your Slide

The first step is to add a line graph (or combo chart with a line graph) to your PowerPoint slide. You can build the chart in Excel and copy it over or insert a pre-made chart template from within PowerPoint.

Step 2: Apply a Basic Animation

By default, PowerPoint animates the entire graph all at once. But you likely want to animate a specific element like the line or each data series.

Step 3: Customize the Chart Animation

Step 4: set animation order and timing.

Review the animation sequence order in the Animation Pane (right side). Re-order animations if needed by dragging and dropping.

Step 5: Add Emphasis With Additional Animations

Consider adding a second animation to emphasize specific data points. Good options include Spin, Grow/Shrink, or Bounce.

For example, make key data peaks Grow after they Fly In to highlight significant highs or lows. Just don’t overdo it!

Step 6: Add Transitions Between Slides

Morph is an especially effective PowerPoint transition to animate the change to a new slide.

Step 7: Present and Narrate Your Animated Line Graph

As you present the animated line graph, verbally describe key data insights in sync with the animations. Explain the broader data narrative as new elements are introduced.

Well-timed animations and narration together make the information more impactful and memorable for your audience.

Key Tips for Better Animated Line Graphs

Keep these tips in mind as you build custom animated line graphs in PowerPoint:

The end result is an impactful data story brought to life through fluid motion design directly within PowerPoint slides. So bring your line graphs into the 21st century with smooth, elegant animations!

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What Is a Line Graph?

Understanding line graphs, constructing a line graph, creating a line graph in excel.

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• Technical Analysis

Line Graph: Definition, Types, Parts, Uses, and Examples

Investopedia / NoNo Flores

A line graph—also known as a line plot or a line chart—is a graph that uses lines to connect individual data points. A line graph displays quantitative values over a specified time interval. In finance, line graphs are commonly used to depict the historical price action of an asset or security.

Line graphs can be compared with other visualizations of data including bar charts , pie charts, and (in trading) candlestick charts , among others.

Key Takeaways

• A line graph connects individual data points that, typically, display quantitative values over a specified time interval.
• Line graphs consist of two axes: x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical), graphically denoted as (x,y).
• In investing, in the field of technical analysis, line graphs are quite informative in allowing the user to visualize trends.
• While line graphs are used across many different fields for different purposes, their most common function is to create a graphical depiction of changes in values over time.
• In finance, line graphs are used to create visual representations of values over time, including changes in the prices of securities.

Line graphs use data point "markers," which are connected by straight lines. These data points, connected by straight lines, aid in visualization. While line graphs are used across many different fields for different purposes, they are especially helpful when it is necessary to create a graphical depiction of changes in values over time.

Line graphs are often used in finance to create visual representations of values over time, including changes in the prices of securities , company revenue sheets, and histories of major stock indexes . They are also useful for comparing different securities. In investing, specifically with respect to the field of technical analysis , line graphs are used by investors to visualize trends, which can greatly aid them in their analyses.

There are some limitations to line graphs. For example, line graphs often lose clarity when there are too many data points. It is also easy to manipulate them visually in order to achieve certain effects. For example, the apparent degree of change can be visually manipulated by adjusting the range of data points on the axes.

Line graphs can be constructed manually or by using software such as Microsoft Excel. The latter greatly improves the speed and accuracy of the end product.

Line graphs consist of two axes: x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical). Each axis represents a different data type, and the points at which they intersect is (0,0). The x-axis is the independent axis because its values are not dependent on anything measured. The y-axis is the dependent axis because its values depend on the x-axis's values. 

Each axis should be labeled according to the data measured along that axis. Then, each axis should be divided in appropriate increments (e.g., day one, day two, etc.). For example, if measuring the changes in a stock's prices for the previous two weeks, the x-axis would represent the time measured (trading days within the period), and the y-axis would represent stock prices. 

When using line graphs to track the price of a stock, the data point most commonly used is the closing price of the stock. 

For example, assume that on day one of trading, a given stock's price was $30, resulting in a data point at (1, $30). On day two of trading, the stock's price was $35, resulting in a data point at (2, $35).

Each data point is plotted and connected by a line that visually shows the changes in the values over time. If the value of the stock increased daily, the line would slope upward and to the right. Conversely, if the price of the stock was steadily decreasing, then the line would slope downward and to the right.

Types of Line Graphs

There are three main types of line graphs. Although each type is fundamentally rooted in the same principles, each has its own unique situation where it is best to implement and use.

Simple Line Graph

A simple line graph is the most basic type of line graph. In this graph, only one dependent variable is tracked, so there is only a single line connecting all data points on the graph. All points on the graph relate to the same item, and the only purpose of the graph is to track the changes of that variable over time. This graph cannot be used to compare the variable to another variable because only variable is charted.

In the example below, the x-axis is time and the y-axis is the year-over-year change in price for all consumer goods in the United States. This graph of the Consumer Price Index shows the annual rate of inflation and, since it is analyzing just one set of data (all items), there is only one line.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Multiple Line Graph

In a multiple line graph, more than one dependent variable is charted on the graph and compared over a single independent variable (often time). Different dependent variables are often given different colored lines to distinguish between each data set. Each line relates to only the points in its given data set; lines do not cross between dependent variables.

For example, the line graph below shows the Consumer Price Index again. However, this graph shows the change in price for three different categories: medical care (red), commodities (green), and shelter (blue). In this graph, we can see the growth in price for commodities was higher than the other two categories in July 2022. However, shelter or medical expenses were typically the groups that experienced higher inflation over the past decade.

Compound Line Graph

A compound line graph uses multiple variables similar to a multiple line graph. However, the variables are often stacked on top of each other to show the total quantity across all variables. This not only informs users of the relationship between each of the variables, but it informs of how the total changes as well.

In the example below from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are five dependent variables that range from abnormally dry land areas to exceptional drought areas. The most extreme drought data was graphed first, and any empty space under that line graph was shaded dark red. Then, subsequent sets of data were plotted after, with the empty area below each of those lines shaded their respective colors. In total, this shows the relationship between drought descriptions as well as the total percent of U.S. land area in these categories by year.

Parts of a Line Graph

Line graphs may vary depending optional features or formatting. The highest-quality, easiest to understand line graphs have the following characteristics:

Line graphs may have a title above the graph to succinctly explain what the graph is depicting. Unless you provide a user with written context, the user will often rely on the title to better understand what data is being pulled in. The title may specifically call out a timeframe or limits to the data (i.e. an appropriate title for the compound line graph could be 'Level of U.S. Dry Land By Year, 2000-2015').

The legend explains what each dependent variable is and how to distinguish different sets of data. In the example above, each dependent variable is marked with its own color. The box that explains what each color means is the legend.

Each item of data on a line graph is a reference to a different source that ties the dependent variable to an independent variable. This is the information on your graph; it is the item that creates the dots that get connected to form the lines on your chart. In some examples as seen above, there may be multiple sets of data combined into a single graph. To ensure data is protected and accurate, companies may have specific data integrity analyst or similar positions to monitor database activity.

The x-axis is the set of information that runs along the horizontal, flat portion at the bottom of the line graph. In most line graphs, the x-axis will be related to time, whether it is the different months in a year or the number of weeks that have passed since a product launch.

The y-axis is the set of information that runs along the vertical, left-side of the graph. Some iterations of line graphs have this set of information on the right. In any case, these numbers count the items being measured. The graph may start at zero, though there are instances where it makes more sense to start at a higher number.

Last, we have the line. The line connects all data points within a single dependent variable. This line's movement shows the increase and decrease of information across time. It can also easily be compared against other lines as long as all data sets are being measured over similar periods of time. Though overly simplified, this line can communicate to management what actions should be taken to improve operations or strategic planning .

Want to display multiple sets of data but one set of information is more suitable as a bar chart? Programs such as Excel and Google Sheets can produce combined charts where one dependent variable is shown as a bar graph and another dependent variable is shown as an overlying line graph.

You can use a line graph in Excel to display trends over time. In Excel, line graphs are appropriate if you have text labels, dates, or a few numeric labels on the horizontal axis (x-axis). Here are the steps to create a line graph in Excel. (If you are using numeric labels, empty cell A1 before you create the line graph):

• Enter your desired column headers in Row 1. These columns will describe the different sets of data (i.e. in the example below, the headers differentiate data by animal).
• Enter your x-axis value in Column A. In the example below, the data is broken up by year, so the years 2017 through 2022 are listed in the first column.
• Enter your data. For each cell that corresponds to a header and year, enter a relevant figure. If no data exists, enter '0'.
• After inputting in your values, select the range (whatever range encompassing those values). If you want your graph to include headers and labels, select the first row and first column For example, selecting A1:D7, the x-axis can be labeled as 'Years' and the y-axis can be labeled as 'Count of Animals'.
• On the Insert tab, in the Charts group, click the Line symbol ("Insert Line Chart").
• Click "Line with Markers". This will create a line graph similar to the one below where each data point is marked with a larger point and these points are connected with a thinner line. Many of these formatting items can be adjusted.

Uses of a Line Graph

Different data visualization tools are best used for specific purposes, and a line graph is no exception. Depending on the underlying data, a line graph is best for:

• Tracking changes over time. A line graph is usually formatted with the time periods on the x-axis and the quantity of occurrence on y-axis. Each period was a year, but line charges can be broken into days, weeks, months, or other quantities of time (i.e. days since a new CEO was hired).
• Tracking smaller changes. The range displayed on a graph can be changed to better zoom into data that may not vary too widely. Compared to other types of charts, a line graph can be formatted to have very small increments on the y-axis that make is more clear how tiny changes across time have occurred.
• Comparing changes across more than one group. In the example above, it is very easy to compare the quantity of three different types of costs in a single visual. As each line is represented by a different color, multiple types or groups of data can be tracked at the same time and compared against each other seamlessly.
• Continuous sets of data. Because a line graph relies on a single strain of unbroken data, at least one variable of a line graph should be continuous. In most cases, this variable is time. A non-continuous data set (i.e. the number of animals at the 10 largest zoos in the world) would not be appropriate as there is no reason to link each data point with a line; a bar chart would be more appropriate.

What Is a Line Graph Used for?

Line graphs are used to track changes over different periods of time. Line graphs can also be used as a tool for comparison: to compare changes over the same period of time for more than one group.

How Is a Line Graph Useful in Finance?

Line graphs are useful in finance because they are very effective at creating visual representations of trends over time. For this reason, they are often used to depict how a stock is performing over a specific period of time.

What Are the 3 Types of Line Graphs?

A line graph may be a simple line graph, multiple line graph, or compound line graph. Each type of graph has a varying degree of dependent variables and how the user wishes to display the relationship between these variables.

What Are the Parts of a Line Graph?

Line graphs can be highly customizable in terms of title, labels, markers, style of line, and other non-essential features. However, all line graphs must have an x-axis (independent variable), a y-axis (quantity of dependent variable), and input data (dependent variables). The data points for each dependent variable are marked on the graph are connected by a line.

When analyzing data over time, one of the best graphical depictions of data is the line graph . A line graph often uses time as its x-axis and a numerical quantity on its y-axis. When data points are marked on the chart, all data points within a single dependent variable are connected with a line, making it very useful tool for analyzing changes over time for one or more variables.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " 12-Month Percentage Change, Consumer Price Index, Selected Categories ."

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Democrats unveil theme and featured speakers for 2024 Democratic National Convention

Among the several speakers expected to take the stage, the convention will feature familiar faces such as president joe biden and former president barack obama, by gerardo pons, nbc chicago staff and wire reports • published august 18, 2024 • updated on august 18, 2024 at 4:04 am.

Every four years, the Democratic Party hosts a multi-day convention for thousands of supporters to come together and nominate their candidate for their presidency in an emotive process and this year is no exception.

This year, the convention will be set in Chicago, where Vice President Kamala Harris will accept the Democratic presidential nomination after securing the majority of the delegates earlier this month.

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The convention theme will be "For the People, For Our Future," a message inspired by Harris' previous campaign motto as district attorney – "Kamala Harris, For the People."

While the convention itself is expected to draw between 5,000 and 7,000 delegates and alternate delegates, city officials expect the event will draw an estimated 50,000 visitors to the city throughout the week.

“A credential to get into the Chicago Democratic National Convention is a hotter ticket than a Taylor Swift concert,” Chris Korge, national finance chair for the Democratic National Committee, told NBC News . “We have to tell people there’s a limit to how many people we can get into the convention.”

When and Where Is the 2024 Democratic National Convention?

The convention will be held over four days starting Monday, Aug. 19, and ending Thursday, Aug. 22 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. It will host events from 7-11 p.m. ET.

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The full schedule of events, however, can be found  here .

A look at the DNC stage, screens inside United Center

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Who will be speaking at the convention?

Among the several speakers expected to take the stage , the convention will feature familiar faces such as President Joe Biden and former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are expected to take the stage on the first night of the convention. Other speakers include Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Biden’s aides said Biden will use his remarks to deliver the argument for why he believes Harris must replace him and defeat Trump, whom he says is a threat to democracy. Biden will also play up some of his popular  accomplishments  before he steps out of the spotlight for Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, to take center stage the rest of the week, the aides said.

Speakers at the convention are expected to make reference to Biden’s accomplishments, from helping lead the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic to winning passage of major infrastructure, climate and health care investments. Harris has used Biden’s policies as the foundation of her own  policy  plans.

Other notable speakers at the convention include Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, former Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.

When will Harris and Walz deliver their acceptance speeches?

Walz will deliver his vice presidential acceptance speech on Wednesday. Harris will give her presidential acceptance speech on Thursday, according to the DNC.

How to watch the DNC convention live?

NBC News will air a special report on this NBC station from 10 p.m. ET to 11 p.m. ET each night of the convention.

The convention will also be available on via streaming through  Peacock.

The primetime DNC coverage will air live from the United Center on the following dates/times:

• Aug. 19 at 10 p.m. ET
• Aug. 20 at 10 p.m. ET
• Aug. 21 at 9 p.m. ET
• Aug. 22 at 9 p.m. ET

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