How to Use C# to Create Excel Charts

Why Should I Use NuGet Package Manager?

You can also enter the following command into the Developer Command Prompt:

Install-Package IronXL.Excel

What Are Alternative Installation Methods?

Or download from here: https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/excel/packages/IronXL.zip

Once installed, IronXL allows you to create new Excel files from scratch or work with existing spreadsheets, suitable for both new projects and legacy system integration.

How to Tutorial

What Namespaces Are Required for Excel Charts?

Add the namespaces necessary to work with Excel charts in IronXL:

using IronXL;
using IronXL.Drawing.Charts;

using IronXL;
using IronXL.Drawing.Charts;

Imports IronXL
Imports IronXL.Drawing.Charts

These namespaces provide access to all chart-related functionality. The IronXL namespace contains core workbook and worksheet operations, while IronXL.Drawing.Charts handles chart creation and customization features.

How Do I Add Multiple Data Series to My Chart?

Add code to create the Excel graph programmatically with IronXL:

:path=/static-assets/excel/content-code-examples/how-to/csharp-create-excel-chart-programmatically-example.cs

using IronXL;
using IronXL.Drawing.Charts;

// Load the existing Excel workbook
WorkBook wb = WorkBook.Load("Chart_Ex.xlsx");
// Use the default worksheet from the workbook
WorkSheet ws = wb.DefaultWorkSheet;

// Create a column chart at the specified range of cells
var chart = ws.CreateChart(ChartType.Column, 10, 15, 25, 20);

// Define the range for the x-axis data
const string xAxis = "A2:A7";

// Add a series for the chart using data in the range and give it a title from the first row
var series = chart.AddSeries(xAxis, "B2:B7");
series.Title = ws["B1"].StringValue;

// Add another series
series = chart.AddSeries(xAxis, "C2:C7");
series.Title = ws["C1"].StringValue;

// Add a third series
series = chart.AddSeries(xAxis, "D2:D7");
series.Title = ws["D1"].StringValue;

// Set the chart title
chart.SetTitle("Column Chart");
// Position the legend at the bottom of the chart
chart.SetLegendPosition(LegendPosition.Bottom);
// Plot the chart with the provided data
chart.Plot();
// Save the workbook with the newly added chart
wb.SaveAs("Exported_Column_Chart.xlsx");

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

The CreateChart method takes parameters for chart type and position (left column, top row, right column, bottom row). This positioning uses cell coordinates to precisely place your chart within the worksheet. You can create multiple charts on a single worksheet or spread them across different sheets.

When working with data series, IronXL allows you to reference cell ranges using standard Excel notation. This makes it intuitive for developers familiar with Excel to transition to programmatic chart creation. Additionally, you can combine charts with Excel formulas to create dynamic visualizations that update automatically when data changes.

How Can I Create Different Chart Types?

IronXL supports various chart types beyond column charts. Here's an example of creating a line chart with custom styling:

// Create a line chart for trend analysis
var lineChart = ws.CreateChart(ChartType.Line, 10, 22, 25, 32);

// Add data series with smooth lines
var trendSeries = lineChart.AddSeries("A2:A7", "B2:B7");
trendSeries.Title = "Q1 Sales Trend";

// Customize chart appearance
lineChart.SetTitle("Quarterly Sales Trend Analysis");
lineChart.SetLegendPosition(LegendPosition.Right);

// You can also create combination charts
var comboChart = ws.CreateChart(ChartType.ColumnClustered, 27, 15, 42, 25);
comboChart.AddSeries("A2:A7", "B2:B7"); // Column series
comboChart.AddSeries("A2:A7", "C2:C7"); // Can be styled as line

comboChart.Plot();

// Create a line chart for trend analysis
var lineChart = ws.CreateChart(ChartType.Line, 10, 22, 25, 32);

// Add data series with smooth lines
var trendSeries = lineChart.AddSeries("A2:A7", "B2:B7");
trendSeries.Title = "Q1 Sales Trend";

// Customize chart appearance
lineChart.SetTitle("Quarterly Sales Trend Analysis");
lineChart.SetLegendPosition(LegendPosition.Right);

// You can also create combination charts
var comboChart = ws.CreateChart(ChartType.ColumnClustered, 27, 15, 42, 25);
comboChart.AddSeries("A2:A7", "B2:B7"); // Column series
comboChart.AddSeries("A2:A7", "C2:C7"); // Can be styled as line

comboChart.Plot();

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

What Does the Final Chart Output Look Like?

A Workbook object and a Worksheet object are created. The CreateChart method of the Worksheet object gets called to specify the chart type and chart location. The chart's series get added with title and legend.

Figure 2 – Chart output

The resulting chart provides a clear visual representation of your data. IronXL handles all complex Excel XML formatting behind the scenes, allowing you to focus on your business logic. For more examples of chart creation, check our Excel chart examples page.

Advanced Chart Customization

Beyond basic chart creation, IronXL offers extensive customization options. You can modify colors, add data labels, adjust axis scales, and apply various formatting options. The library's Save & Export features ensure your charts are preserved correctly across different Excel formats and versions.

When working with large datasets, consider implementing pagination or data filtering before chart creation. This approach ensures optimal performance and prevents cluttered visualizations. IronXL's efficient memory management allows you to work with substantial Excel files without performance degradation.

Library Quick Access

IronXL API Reference Documentation

Learn more and share how to merge, unmerge, and work with cells in Excel spreadsheets using the handy [IronXL API Reference Documentation](https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/excel/object-reference/api/).

IronXL API Reference Documentation