How to Make a Range of Values in a Dashed Chart

Dashed lines can help your range of values stand out from others.

You can make a dashed chart for your range of values in Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice.org Calc. Both programs provide the flexibility to customize chart elements, such as line style, color and width. Dashed charts begin with a simple line chart and are modified to display a dashed line. Organize your range of values in two continuous columns to prepare your data set. Customize your charts to present information in a way that meets your needs.

Instructions

1. Microsoft Excel

   • 1
     Open a Microsoft Excel workbook with the appropriate range of values.
   • 2
     Highlight each column, click the "Number" drop-down box and select a number or text type to create consistency in your data set.
   • 3
     Highlight the cells, click the "Charts" tab and select the "Line" button.
   • 4
     Click "Line" under the 2-D group.
   • 5
     Select the line on the chart and click the "Format" tab of the Ribbon.
   • 6
     Click the "Line" drop-down box, select "Dashed" and choose a dash style. Alternatively, right-click the line and select "Format Data Series" to open the format options window.

   OpenOffice.org Calc

   • 7
     Open the OpenOffice.org Calc spreadsheet that contains the desired data set.
   • 8
     Highlight the range of values and click the "Chart" button on the toolbar. Select "Line" from the available chart options and click the "Lines Only" option.
   • 9
     Complete the chart wizard by selecting your data range, chart elements and labels.
   • 10
     Right-click the line on the chart to customize the chart and select "Format Data Series" to open the line formatting options.
   • 11
     Click the "Line" tab on the top of the window to access the line style options.
   • 12
     Click the "Style" drop-down box and select a dash style. Close the window to view your dashed chart.