How to make a chart for your assignment
- Open ChartMake — no login, no install. Works in any browser on any device.
- Enter your data. Type labels and values into the table, or click Paste CSV to import from a spreadsheet in seconds.
- Choose your chart type. Select bar, line, pie, doughnut, or scatter using the icons at the top of the left panel.
- Style it. Pick a colour palette. For academic work, a white background and a clean single-colour palette tends to look most professional.
- Add a title. Click the title field and type a clear, descriptive heading (e.g. "Monthly average temperature — London 2025").
- Download. Click Download PNG and save the file. Insert it into Word, Google Docs, or your presentation.
Which chart type for your subject?
The right chart type depends on your data and what you are trying to show. Here is a subject-by-subject guide:
| Subject | Common data task | Best chart |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Plot experiment results over time (temperature, growth, voltage) | Line graph |
| Science | Show correlation between two variables (scatter diagram) | Scatter plot |
| Maths | Display frequency data or tally chart results | |
| Geography | Compare data between countries or regions | |
| Geography | Show how a value changes over time (rainfall, population) | Line graph |
| PSHE / Sociology | Show proportions from a survey (e.g. responses by category) | Pie chart |
| Business Studies | Show market share or budget breakdown | Pie chart |
| History / Politics | Compare statistics across periods or countries |
Tips for charts in academic work
What markers look for in a chart
- A clear, descriptive title that explains what the chart shows
- Labelled axes (for bar charts, line graphs, and scatter plots)
- Units of measurement included in the axis label (e.g. "Temperature (°C)")
- A legend if more than one data series is shown
- The data source referenced below the chart
- Consistent, readable colour choice — not rainbow palettes
A few extra tips that separate good charts from great ones:
- Always start your y-axis at zero for bar charts. Truncating the axis makes differences look bigger than they are, which can undermine your analysis.
- Keep the chart title factual and specific. "Results" is a poor title; "Mean plant height by soil type after 4 weeks" is a strong one.
- If you are pasting a chart into a Word document, insert it as an image rather than embedding a spreadsheet — it is more reliable and looks cleaner when printed.
- Resize the chart proportionally after inserting it. Stretching it unevenly distorts the visual impression.
Frequently asked questions
Is ChartMake free for students?
Yes. ChartMake is completely free. You can create charts and download PNG images without an account, subscription, or payment details of any kind.
Do I need to create an account?
No. ChartMake requires no login or sign-up at any stage. Open the tool and start making your chart immediately — it works just like a calculator, nothing to install or register for.
Can I use ChartMake charts in my assignment or report?
Yes. Export your chart as a PNG and insert it into Word, Google Docs, PowerPoint, or any document. The free tier includes a small "made with ChartMake" watermark; upgrade to Pro to remove it if required.
Which chart type should I use for my data?
Use a bar chart to compare categories. Use a line graph to show change over time. Use a pie chart to show how a whole is split into parts. Use a scatter plot to show the relationship or correlation between two variables. When in doubt, bar charts are the most versatile choice.
Can I import data from Google Sheets or Excel?
Yes. Copy your two-column data from Google Sheets or Excel, click Paste CSV in ChartMake, and paste it in. ChartMake reads the labels and values and generates your chart immediately. Format: one row per line, label and value separated by a comma.
Does ChartMake work on a school Chromebook?
Yes. ChartMake runs entirely in the browser with no installation. It works on Chromebooks, Windows PCs, Macs, and tablets — any device with a modern web browser.