A Better Way to Make a Smooth Line Chart in Excel, by Learn Microsoft Office with Helen Bradley on YouTube. 4 min 26 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 26 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Open your worksheet and lay out two columns: one for the x values and one for the y values. Keep the rows in order from lowest to highest x.
Select both columns, go to Insert, click the Line chart icon and pick a line chart type. A basic chart appears on the sheet.
Right-click the data line and choose Format Data Series. In the Line section, tick the Smoothed line box to see the result.
Look closely at the curve. If it still bumps and dips between points, leave Smoothed line on for now and move to the next step.
Add more data points between your existing x values. In empty cells, calculate intermediate y values so the gaps between points get smaller.
Extend the chart's data range to include the new rows. Right-click the chart, choose Select Data and update the range.
Turn Smoothed line back on for the updated series. With the extra points, the curve should now flow smoothly instead of wobbling.
Format the chart for your report: add axis titles, set the line colour and weight, and remove gridlines you do not need.
Tips and common mistakes
More data points give a smoother curve than any smoothing setting alone.
Keep the original data visible on the sheet so readers can check the numbers behind the chart.
Avoid over-smoothing sparse data, since the curve can then misrepresent the real trend.
Questions
Why does Smoothed line still look bumpy?
Excel draws the curve through your actual points, so big gaps between them create visible dips. Adding intermediate data points fixes this.
Can I smooth a chart without changing my data?
You can try the Smoothed line option, but it works best when your points are close together. Adding calculated points is the reliable fix.
Does this work in Excel for Mac?
Yes. The Insert chart menu and Format Data Series options are in the same places on recent Mac versions.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
