To make a line graph in Excel, select your data including the header row, go to the Insert tab, click Insert Line or Area Chart in the Charts group, and choose Line (or Line with Markers). Excel creates the chart instantly. Put your categories, like months or years, in the first column and the values in the columns next to it, and Excel will use them for the horizontal axis and the lines.
Step 1: Set up your data
- Put the labels for the horizontal axis (dates, months, years) in the first column.
- Put each series of numbers in its own column to the right, with a header like Sales or 2026.
- Avoid blank rows or columns inside the data.
Step 2: Insert the line graph
- Select the data, including the headers.
- Click the Insert tab.
- In the Charts group, click Insert Line or Area Chart.
- Choose Line, Line with Markers, or another 2-D line style.
Not sure which chart fits? Click Recommended Charts to preview options, or press Alt + F1 for a quick default chart.
Step 3: Customize the graph
- Title: Click the chart title and type a new one.
- Axis titles and labels: Click the chart, then the + (Chart Elements) button, and check Axis Titles, Data Labels, or Legend.
- Style and colors: Use the Chart Design tab or the brush (Chart Styles) button.
- Line format: Double-click a line to change its color, width, dash type, or markers in the Format pane.
- Axis range: Double-click the vertical axis and set Minimum and Maximum under Axis Options.
Add or change data
- Add another line: Add a new column of numbers, then right-click the chart, choose Select Data, and click Add. Or drag the blue outline in the sheet to include the new column.
- Swap rows and columns: On Chart Design, click Switch Row/Column if the lines look wrong.
- Keep the chart updating: Format your data as a table (Ctrl + T) so new rows are added to the chart automatically.
Common problems
- Years plotted as a line: If your first column contains numbers (like 2023, 2024), Excel may treat them as data. Delete the header in that column’s top cell, or format the years as text, then recreate the chart.
- Gaps in the line: Right-click the chart, choose Select Data > Hidden and Empty Cells, and choose Connect data points with line.
- Dates spaced unevenly: Double-click the horizontal axis and set Axis Type to Text axis or Date axis.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a line graph with two lines?
Include two value columns when you select the data. Excel draws one line for each column.
Can I make a line graph in Excel on a Mac or the web?
Yes. The Insert > Line chart steps are the same in Excel for Mac and Excel for the web.
How do I add a trendline?
Click the chart, click + (Chart Elements), and check Trendline.
How do I copy the chart into Word or PowerPoint?
Click the chart border, press Ctrl + C, and paste it into your document or slide.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.