How to Create Graph from List of Dates in Excel

The sample dataset represents an online shop’s daily order data for a week.

Steps:

• Click on any data from the dataset.
• Click on the Insert ribbon and select any graph from the Chart section. I selected the Clustered Column from the Insert Column or Bar Chart option.

Excel will create a graph in your current sheet. You can drag and reposition it anywhere.

How to Customize Graph of Dates in Excel

Excel graphs come with a default design, but you can personalize them for better visuals or clarity. Here are some common customization options:

Change Design

Steps:

• Click on the graph and then click the Chart Design ribbon.
• Select any design from the Chart Styles section.

• Alternatively, click on the Chart Styles icon from your graph that you will get by clicking anywhere in the graph.
• Select a chart style from the list. I selected Style 9.

The newly selected design looks like this.

Read More: How to Show Only Dates with Data in Excel Chart

Change Color

Steps:

• Click anywhere on the graph.
• Click Chart Design > Change Colors.
• Select a color template from the list. I chose Colorful Palette 3.

Alternatively,

• Click on the Chart Styles icon, select the Color section.
• Select the color template.

The graph will change to the selected color.

Read More: How to Change Date Range in Excel Chart

Change Axis Bound

Steps:

• Right-click on the Date label.
• Select Format Axis from the context menu. Or, double-click on the date label.

The Format Axis field will open on the right side of your sheet.

• From the Axis Options, set the minimum and maximum limits. I kept the minimum limit the same and set the maximum limit to 6/8/2022.

The graph will be recreated according to the new bounds.

Change Alignment of Dates

Steps:

• Follow the first two steps from the previous section to open the Format Axis field.
• Click on the Size & Properties section.
• Select Rotate all text 270° from the Text direction drop-down box.

You will get the output like the image below.

Change Fill Color of Dates

Steps:

• Follow the first two steps from the Change Axis Bound section to get the Format Axis.
• Click on Fill & Line option.
• Mark Solid fill, set color, and transparency. I chose dark blue color and 50% transparency.

Here’s our final output.

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Related Articles

• Excel Chart by Month and Year
• How to Combine Daily and Monthly Data in Excel Chart

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