How to create a growth curve in Excel
You can create many different charts in Excel - including growth curves. You need growth curves to show a size development. Since it is not so easy to create such diagrams, we will show you how to get there quickly.
Create data table for the growth curve
The growth curve represents the ratio of size to time. You therefore need two variables: size and time.
- To create a diagram, you first need a table with data. It can appear so that the time is entered in the first column and the associated size in column two.
- For example, if you want to view your dog's growth, measure it daily over a period of time.
- Then enter the days in the first column and the measured values in the corresponding column B (see Figure 1).
Create growth curve in Excel
- Select all areas of the table that you want to include in the diagram. This means: if you want to have all values displayed, mark the entire table including the row of headings with the mouse.
- When you have selected the entire table, click on "Insert" in the menu bar. Here you can select different types of diagrams. For a growth curve, ideally use a line chart.
- So click on the "Line" diagram type under the menu item "Insert" and choose one of the display types listed there (see Figure 2).
- Click on one of the line charts, you will see it on the screen. But it is not yet finished: Excel has now automatically opened the "Design" tab in the menu bar. Here you can design your growth curve individually.
- Finally, you can right-click on the diagram and then click on "Format diagram area" to make further settings on your diagram and change its appearance.
Tip: Line charts are the best way to show growth curves.
The practical tip relates to Excel 2007.