# How to Create a Bar Chart in MS Excel

> To create a bar chart in Microsoft Excel, highlight your data range, select Bar Chart from the Insert tab, and choose a preferred style. Customize the chart or switch types using the Chart Design tab.

Canonical: https://livedemo.ai/tutorials/how-to-create-a-bar-chart-in-ms-excel/
Apps: Excel
Updated: 2026-10-05
Interactive demo: https://story-api.livedemo.ai/workspaces/62255d3d3304f17b8f5e2d03/stories/692a3601ab56e05a00fda859/preview?step=1

## Steps

1. Highlight the range of cells containing your data, including the labels (e.g., A1:B4 ).
2. Click on the "Insert" tab in the ribbon at the top, then select Bar Chart (it may also appear as "Column or Bar Chart").
3. From the dropdown, select your preferred bar chart style.
4. To switch the chart type, select the chart, go to the Chart Design tab, and click Change Chart Type on the right.
5. Select the bar chart option, hover to preview it, and click OK to insert the chart.
6. Now you can customize your bar chart as needed.