GMetrix Excel: Charts and Data Visualization Flashcards

What is the purpose of a legend in an Excel chart?

Answer: To identify each data series by its assigned color or pattern

A legend maps each color or pattern in the chart to its corresponding data series name.

Which Excel feature lets you show or hide specific data series on a chart without changing the source data?

Answer: Chart Filters

The Chart Filters button (funnel icon) next to a selected chart lets you toggle individual series and categories on or off.

What type of data relationship does a scatter (XY) chart best display?

Answer: The correlation or distribution between two numeric variables

Scatter charts plot pairs of numeric values on two axes to reveal correlations, clusters, or patterns between variables.

How do you add a secondary vertical axis to a chart in Excel?

Answer: Format the target data series and select Secondary Axis

Double-clicking or right-clicking a data series and opening Format Data Series reveals the Secondary Axis option.

What is the key difference between a clustered column chart and a stacked column chart?

Answer: Clustered places series side by side; stacked layers series on top of each other

Clustered columns display each series as a separate bar group, while stacked columns combine all series into one bar per category.

What is the best way to make an Excel chart expand automatically when new data rows are added?

Answer: Convert source data to an Excel Table or use dynamic named ranges

Excel Tables automatically extend their range when new rows are added, causing any linked chart to update dynamically.