Did you know that you can click on a Data Series in an Excel Chart and “drag it to reach a new value?” You can!

Changing the data value in your chart brings up the Goal Seek Dialog Box. Now, it is a simple matter to confirm your new value and tell Excel which cell reference to change in your formula. Instantly, your chart redraws and your data and formula are updated with the substitute value – and your NEW GOAL!

Here are the steps to follow in this Excel Video Lesson:

1. We use the =FV() Function to show the future value of our investment for each year that we invest. The =FV() Function requires a “fixed” interest rate and a constant investment value contributed each period.
2. We inserted a “Line” type chart onto our worksheet – i.e. we “embedded” the chart on the sheet.
3. We used a “Custom Format” on the Value Axis for our numbers (#,##0,K) to show the numbers as thousands ($80K)
4. For this chart, we also changed the “Maximum Value” of the Value Series by typing in a ne (higher) number.
5. To reach a “new goal” on our chart, first click to select the data series. Then click again and drag the data line to a new point on the chart.
6. This brings up the “Goal Seek” Dialog Box. Edit your new goal if necessary. Then click on the cell that you want to change in order reach your goal. That cell must be referenced in your formula. The chart redraws and your formula results are updated.

Find the Excel Video Lesson that you want – Index of all Excel Topics

News! My DVD, “The 50 Best Tips for Excel 2007″ is now available to purchase. I invite you to visit my online bookstore for more details.

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• Use Excel’s Goal Seek to Find the Best Terms for your Loan

What is a Combination Chart? When do I use one? Why do I use one?

1. What: A combination chart uses two different chart types in the same graphic representation of your data.
2. When: There is a large value gap between one data series and the other data series.
3. Why: To reveal the relationships in your data that may not be apparent with a traditional chart or by merely examining the data.

In this short video lesson, I will demonstrate “How” to transform a traditional column chart into a Combination Chart that reveals an interesting data relationship.

Here are the steps to follow in this Excel Video Lesson:

1. Start with a standard Excel Chart – Here we used the F11 Key to create a Column Chart in a separate worksheet.
2. Notice the wide gap between the two data series. Click on one of the series columns (in this case “Dollars”) and on the Chart Toolbar select the “Line” chart type.
3. A wide gap in values remains between the two series. With the “Dollars” series selected, choose Format Series on the Toolbar. Click the Axis Tab and select “Plot Series on Secondary Axis.”
4. Format the chart to suit your needs. In this example, we change the color of the Plot Area and add Text to a “Call out” shape on the chart.

Find the Excel Video Lesson that you want. Index of all Excel Topics

News! My DVD, “The 50 Best Tips for Excel 2007″ is now available to purchase. I invite you to visit my online bookstore for more details.

Related Videos

Related Videos

• Create a chart with one keystroke!
• How to Explode a Pie Slice in Your Charts

Pie Charts are the most popular charts – to create. Pie Charts are not always the best chart to use to tell your story. The people who create charts want to create Pie Charts and they want to “Explode” slices of the pie.

In this video I will demonstrate how to format your Pie Chart – and “explode” it!

Here are the steps to follow in this Excel Video Lesson:

1. Select the chart first so that you can format it. (If your chart is on its own worksheet, select that worksheet tab.)
2. Use the Drop-Down menu on the Chart Toolbar to become familiar with each Chart Element.
3. Select the Chart Element and then click the Format Chart Element Icon on the toolbar.
4. Format the “Plot Area.” Remove the Border and change the Background to White.
5. Select the Chart Series “Total” – the Pie – and format it. On the Data Labels tab, select Percentage and Category Names.
6. You no longer need the Legend. Select it and press Delete.
7. Select the Plot Area and drag the sizing handles to enlarge it.
8. To “explode” a pie slice, first select the Series “Total” – the Pie. After a short pause, select the slice that you want to “explode” to choose it. (You will see multiple “handles” around this slice.) Click on the border of the slice and drag it away from the Pie.
9. To print only the chart: Select it and then make your changes in Print Preview – Page Setup.

Find the Excel Video Lesson that you want – Index to all Excel Topics

News! My DVD, “The 50 Best Tips for Excel 2007″ is now available to purchase. I invite you to visit my online bookstore for more details.

Related Videos

• Create a Chart with One Keystroke
• How to Create a Combination Chart in Excel

It is easy to create a chart in MS Excel 2003. So easy, in fact, that you can create your chart with one keystroke.

In this video, I reveal that keystroke. I also demonstrate how easy it is to change the chart type and the location of your chart.

Here are the steps to follow in this Excel Video Lesson:

1. Select one cell in your data set and press the F11 key.
2. Excel, by default, creates a Column Chart in a new worksheet.
3. Using the Chart tool bar, you can change the chart type.
4. Select the data range(s) you want to chart  before you press the F11 key.
5. Consider what “picture” you want to share before you create your chart.
6. Use the Chart Wizard – Step 4 – to move the location of the cart (from its own worksheet to an embedded object in your worksheet – or vice versa.)

Find the Excel Video Lesson that you want – Index to all Excel Topics

News! My DVD, “The 50 Best Tips for Excel 2007″ is now availabe to purchase. I invite you to visit my online bookstore for more details.

Related Videos

• How to Explode a Pie Slice in Your Chart
• Learn how to create Nested Subtotals
• How to Create a Combination Chart in Excel