Creating a simple chart with multiple series

I want to create a chart in Excel. My data looks like this:

Date, Item, Num_Purchases
1/1/2012, Saw, 7
1/1/2012, Hammer, 17
1/1/2012, Nail, 32
1/2/2012, Saw, 12
1/2/2012, Hammer, 3
1/2/2012, Nail, 4
1/3/2012, Saw, 4
etc

I want each "Item" to be a separate series. So there will be 3 series for Saw, Hammer, Nail. The Y axis should be the number of purchases and the X axis should be the date.

Sounds simple enough, right? My actual data is a lot more complicated and I really don't want to set each series up manually (there will be a lot more than 3 series). So, how can I create this chart without wasting lots of time?

I am a competent programmer but I haven't touched VB in quite a while. I'm willing if that is the only way though.

Thanks

Hi there,

I would think the best thing to do this would be to create a pivot chart. That should sort out the data quick and easy!

If you're unfamiliar with such things, Google will provide voluminous assistance!

HTH,

Fermented Reptile

Excellent, pivot charts are exactly what I needed. Thank you!

@ emulcahy

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Thanks.

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