Here’s a step-by-step procedure to create a **column graph** in Excel to
compare the total cost of items bought from each supplier, with labels, axis
names, and totals displayed on the bars:
### Step 1: Prepare Your Data
Ensure your data is organized in two columns:
- **Supplier Names** (Column A)
- **Total Cost of Items** (Column B)
For example:
| Supplier | Total Cost |
|------------|------------|
| Supplier A | 500 |
| Supplier B | 1200 |
| Supplier C | 750 |
| Supplier D | 980 |
### Step 2: Select the Data
1. Highlight the data range (e.g., **A1:B5**), including both the supplier
names and total costs.
### Step 3: Insert a Column Chart
1. Go to the **Insert** tab on the Excel ribbon.
2. In the **Charts** group, click on **Insert Column Chart** (look for the icon
that shows vertical bars).
3. Choose the **Clustered Column** chart type.
### Step 4: Add Data Labels (Display Total Values on Top of Bars)
1. Click anywhere on the chart to select it.
2. Go to the **Chart Elements** button (the **+** sign next to the chart).
3. Check the box for **Data Labels**. This will display the total cost on top of
each bar.
### Step 5: Name the X-Axis and Y-Axis
1. Click on the chart to select it.
2. Go to the **Chart Elements** button (the **+** sign).
3. Check the **Axis Titles** box.
4. **Click on the X-axis title** box below the graph and type the name (e.g.,
**Supplier**).
5. **Click on the Y-axis title** on the left side of the graph and type the name
(e.g., **Total Cost (Shs)**).
### Step 6: Add a Chart Title
1. Click on the chart to select it.
2. Go to the **Chart Elements** button (the **+** sign).
3. Check the **Chart Title** box.
4. Click on the chart title and type your title (e.g., **Total Cost of Items by
Supplier**).
### Step 7: Customize the Graph
1. You can further customize the look of your graph by:
- Right-clicking on any bar and selecting **Format Data Series** to change
colors or styles.
- Adjusting the font size, bolding text, or changing text color in the **Chart
Title**, **Axis Titles**, and **Data Labels** by selecting and formatting the
text.
### Step 8: Adjusting the Layout (Optional)
1. To further refine the layout, go to the **Chart Tools Design** tab and try
different layouts from the **Quick Layout** options.
### Final Output:
You will have a column graph with:
- The **Supplier names** on the X-axis.
- The **Total cost** on the Y-axis.
- The **Total cost values** displayed on top of each bar.
- A **Title** at the top of the graph that summarizes the chart (e.g., **Total
Cost of Items by Supplier**).
Now your chart is ready, comparing the total costs for each supplier!
