An Excel chart is a graphical representation of a set of data that can be used for analyzing the data easily. A drop-down list allows the user to choose a specific item or element from a list. Here, we will compare and analyze data using an Excel chart with the help of a drop-down list. We will use mobile phones and compare them with the help of a drop-down list and represent the comparison data in Excel charts. Read below to learn more about comparing data in an Excel Chart.

Compare Data in an Excel Chart using Drop Down Lists

How to Compare Data in an Excel Chart Using Drop-Down Lists

Step 1: Create a Database in Excel

In this step, we will create a database for our mobile phones. For this, we will be using the following data which we will be using to compare with the help of a dropdown list.

Create a Database in Excel

Step 2: Create Table Schema for Comparison in the same Sheet

Create a table schema that will be used to change the mobile devices with the help of a drop-down menu and return allreturnAll the comparison data output. For this Select 2 Columns from the Database and then Paste Them into Some Other Columns.

Create Table Schema for Comparison in the same Sheet

Step 3: Go to the toolbar, select the chart, and then choose 2D Column Chart

Once we have copied the columns, we need to insert a graph for our copied columns. For this Select Column (Mobile Phone) & Memory (GB) and then go to Insert on the top of the ribbon and then in Charts select 2 D Column Chart.

Go to the toolbar, select the chart, and then choose 2D Column Chart

After we inset the 2D Column chart for the above data, we will have the following output chart diagram.

2D column and the Output

Before moving further, we will format our chart to enhance its look and feel. (Here, we are adding Data Labels & changing Chart Color only).

Format the Chart

Once we are done with our chart formatting, we need to make a copy of our chart. Here, we copy & paste it 3 more times for the rest of our columns. i.e., Camera, Screen & Price.

Copy Chart and paste 3 times

All of these charts are pointing to our same columns (Here, Mobile Phone & Memory columns). So, we need to change the underlying data of these charts. For this Select Chart then Press & Hold Ctrl Key and then Move Cursor from Memory Column to Camera Column. 

Gif

Similarly, we need to do this for our remaining charts for the Screen and Price columns. Once we have the above steps in all the charts we will have the following output.

Output 1

Now, to enhance the look, feel & behavior of the charts we will change the color of the chart as per our need. Once we are done with formatting the charts, we will have the following output.

Output 2

Step 3: Adding VLOOKUP

In this step, we will add a VLOOKUP formula. So, every time whenever we update the name of our mobile phone, excel will change the data of our table and update the chart. We will be using the following VLOOKUP formula.

=VLOOKUP(G2,A1:E8,2,FALSE)

• G2 – It represents the comparison value. (Here, Mobile Phone Column).
• A1:E8 – It represents our database, excel will look up the values in this database.
• 2 – It represents the column number. Here, it is the second column (Column B) which is for our Memory Chart.
• False – It represents that we want Exceladd to find an exact match.

Adding VLOOKUP

Similarly, we need to add the same VLOOKUP to other columns (Here, Camera, Screen & Price) by updating the number of the columns (Here, for Camera column it is 3, for Screen, it is 4 and for Price, it is 5)

Once we add to VLOOKUP for all our columns it will update the corresponding charts. We need to copy the same VLOOKUP to our second row. For this, we will hold the corner and drag it down. Excel will automatically copy it to our second row of data.

copy the same VLOOKUP to our second row

Now, if we change the data in our Mobile Phone Column, the data in the remaining column will get changed itself which further updates the charts.

Data chnaged

Step 4: Add Dropdown Menu in the Rows

As we can see, while changing the data in the Mobile Phone Column, excel is changing data in the other columns of the table and updating the chart. So, we are now required to add a drop-down menu list over the Mobile Phone Column. For this Select Columns & Delete Its Value.

Add Dropdown Menu in the Rows

Now, we will insert a dropdown menu. For this Select Columns (Here, Mobile Phone Column) then go to the Data tab on the top of the ribbon and select Data Validation.

Insert Drop down menu

Once we click on it, excel will open a Data Validation Tab.

Data Validation Tab

In Data Validation, we need to set the validation criteria. For Allow Option we will be using List and for Source we will use our database.

Set data validation Criteria

Once we click OK, we will have a drop-down menu for each of the columns which we will use to compare the data and update the chart.

Compare the data and Update the chart

Step 5: Check the Output

Here now you can see when we change the mobile phone column with the dropdown list then the other columns and charts automatically change and update.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using drop-down lists in Excel to compare data in a chart is a powerful and user-friendly feature. It allows you to easily visualize and analyze different data sets without cluttering your workspace. This method enhances data analysis efficiency, enabling more dynamic and interactive reports. By learning Excel’s drop-down lists, you can improve data comparisons and make informed decisions faster. Key advantages include improved data organization, flexibility in data presentation, and a significant boost in productivity.

FAQs – Compare Data in an Excel Chart

How do I compare two data in Excel chart?

To compare two data sets in an Excel chart, create a line chart or a bar chart with both data series. You can easily compare their trends and values.

How to create an interactive chart with dropdown list in Excel?

To create an interactive chart with a dropdown list, use Excel’s data validation feature. Link the dropdown list to a cell, and use that cell’s value to dynamically update your chart data.

How do I make a comparison chart in Excel?

A comparison chart can be a bar chart, column chart, or scatter plot. Add data series for each item you want to compare, and customize the chart as needed.

How do I add a dropdown in an Excel chart?

Unfortunately, Excel charts don’t directly support dropdown menus. However, you can create a separate dropdown list outside the chart and use it to filter the chart data manually.