To demonstrate the process of making charts and graphs in Calc, we will use the small table of data below.

Table of data for charting examples

To create a chart, first highlight (select) the data to be included in the chart. The selection does not need to be in a single block, as shown below; you can also choose individual cells or groups of cells (columns or rows). See Chapter 1 (Introducing Calc) for more about selecting cells and ranges of cells.

Selecting data for plotting

Next, open the Chart Wizard dialog using one of two methods.

• Select Insert > Chart from the menu bar.

Insert chart from menu bar

• Or, click the Chart icon on the main toolbar.

Insert chart from main toolbar

Either method inserts a sample chart on the worksheet, opens the Formatting toolbar, and opens the Chart Wizard, as shown in the section below.

If you place the cursor anywhere in the area of the data, the Chart Wizard will do a fairly good job of guessing the range of the data. Just be careful that you have not included the title of your chart.