How to create max-min bars in Excel
Enter scatter plot data as you would normally.
Add two more columns of data for you maximum and minimum measurements.
The max and min numbers you enter are not the measurements you took, but are
the distance that your measurements are from your average. You will have to make
a calculation for each one.
To find the number you should enter for your max column, simply subtract your average
from your max in that row. For instance, if your maximum measurement was 1.5, your
calculation would be 1.5 minus 1.2, or 0.3.
Make individual calculations for each data point.
To find the value you should enter for min, subtract your min value from your average.
For instance, if your min value for the first entry was 1.0, you would calculate 1.2 minus
1.0, or 0.2.
Make individual calculations for each data point.
Once you have done that, you should have a spreadsheet that looks something like this.
Make your scatter plot graph connected by lines in the usual manner (see the graphing
tutorial for more help). Double click a point on the graph’s line.
You should see a dialog box titled “Format Data Series.” Select the “Y Error Bars” tab,
display “both,” and select the “Custom” radio button.
Click the button to the right of the “+” box. It will cause your dialog box to minimize.
You should then click and drag over your Max column. When you are finished, press
enter.
Click the button to the right of the “-” box. It will cause your dialog box to minimize.
You should then click and drag over your Min column. When you are finished, press
enter and click OK.
You should then see accurate error bars customized to each measurement you took on
your graph.
Cut and paste your graph into a Word file, adjust its size to fit 1/2 to 2/3 of the page, and
insert your caption below it.
