How-to Create a Step Chart in Excel with 3 Quick Steps

Here is the first and easiest answer to the challenge on posted on Friday.

Step Chart in Excel 2

In case you missed it, you can check it out and download the sample data file here:

 Friday Step Chart Challenge

 

So far, we have had several answers and none were the same.  However, the absolute easiest is this manual process submitted by Don.

 

The Breakdown

1) Copy and Paste Entire Data Range

2) Delete First Date Data Point and Shift Cells Up

3) Delete Last Rate Data Point of Original Data Area and Shift Cells Up

4) Create Line Chart

 

Step-by-Step

1) Copy and Paste Entire Data Range

Date Rate
12/1/1947 1.75
8/1/1948 2
9/22/1950 2.25
1/8/1951 2.5
10/17/1951 2.75
12/19/1951 3
4/27/1953 3.25
3/17/1954 3
8/4/1955 3.25
10/14/1955 3.5

Highlight your data range and copy all data.

Copy Data Range

Then paste the data below the original data set.

Paste Data Range

 

2) Delete First Date Data Point and Shift Cells Up

Now select the first date value in column A

Delete First Date and Shift Column Up

and select the delete cells menu option from the Delete Button on the Home Ribbon.

Delete Cells Button

Choose to shift cells up.

Delete and Shift Cells Up

Your new chart data range will now look like this:

After Delete First Date

 

3) Delete Last Rate Data Point of Original Data Area and Shift Cells Up

Now select the last rate data point in column B

Delete Last Data Point in Original Data and Shift Column Up

and follow the same delete steps as shown above to shift the cells up.  Your new chart data range will now look like this:

After Delete Last Data Point

 

4) Create Line Chart

Now that we have our new data set, you can create your line chart by simply highlighting the chart data range and creating a line chart.

Insert Line Chart Menu2

 

Your new Excel Step Chart should now look like this:

Step Chart in Excel 2

 

Video Tutorial

Check out this quick video here:

Thanks Don!  Great solution.

 

Steve=True