How to Create a Weight Loss Chart

A good way to measure weight loss progress is to create a chart. A chart will create a visual representation of your weight loss over time. You can draw a chart by hand, but it's less time-consuming to let a computer do it for you. Using a spreadsheet program, all you need to do is enter the data and choose what type of chart you want. A bar chart or line chart is best for displaying weight loss over time.

Instructions

1

Open a blank worksheet in Microsoft Excel.

2

Enter your data in columns or rows as you want it plotted in the chart. For example, in the first row, enter "Month." Tab over and type "Weight (in pounds)." This will display the month of the year on the horizontal axis of a column chart and your weight on the vertical axis. It will adjust accordingly, depending on what type of chart you choose.

3

Enter each month in the "Month" column below. Enter the numerical values of weight in the "Weight" column.

4

Highlight all the cells.

5

Click the "Insert" tab. In the "Charts" group, click the chart type you want. For a simple weight loss chart, choosing "Column" would work well. In the drop-down list, select the specific style of chart. You can always go back and change it later. The embedded chart appears on the screen.

6

Click the chart to select it. The "Chart Tools" tabs appear, including "Design," "Layout" and "Format."

7

Under "Design," make a selection in the "Chart Style" group to change the look of the data. You also can change the chart type in the "Type" group. Adjust different parts of the chart on the "Layout" tab, such as the placement of the chart title, axis titles and legend. The "Format" tab is for changing text attributes and styles.

8

Select text in the chart to edit it. For example, if you want to rename the title of the chart, click the text, delete it and retype.

9

Position the chart how you like and save it. Print it out for personal use if you like.