How to Make a Bar Chart in Word

This updated guide examines How to Make a Bar Chart in Word and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1

Word 2013 and Later

1. Open the Microsoft Word program. You can also double-click an existing Word document to open it in Word.
2. Click the "Blank document" option. Skip this step if you're opening an existing document.
3. ClickInsert. This is a tab in the top left corner of Word's interface.
4. ClickChart.
5. Click a chart layout. These are listed on the left side of the Chart menu.
   • Depending on the information you need to display, your preferred format will vary.
6. Click on a chart style. Stylistic options appear above your chosen chart layout.
7. ClickOK. A Microsoft Excel window will pop up beneath the graph image.
8. Add data to your chart. To do so:
   • Click an Excel cell.
   • Type in a data point.
   • Press↵Enter.
9. Click theXin the Excel section. This will close the Excel window--your data will be saved in your chart.

Method 2

Word 2007 and 2010

1. Open the Microsoft Word 2007 program. You can also double-click an existing Word document to open it in Word.
2. ClickInsert. This is a tab in the top left corner of Word's interface.
3. ClickChart.
4. Click a chart layout. These are listed on the left side of the Chart window.
   • Some types of data will work better with specific layouts than with others.
5. Click on a chart style. Stylistic options appear to the right of your chosen chart layout.^{[1]XResearch source}
6. ClickOK. A new window will open with Microsoft Excel 2007 data.
7. Add data to your chart. To do so:
   • Click an Excel cell.
   • Type in a data point.
   • Press↵Enter.
8. Close Excel when you're done. Your chart should immediately change to reflect your data input.