How to Create a Calibration Graph/Curve in Microsoft Excel

It will take just a few minutes

Primarily used in analytical chemistry, a calibration curve, sometimes called a standard or reliability curve, is used to compare samples of known and unknown concentrations.

You may use it to measure an instrument comparing estimated parameters against a set of actual values or standards. You can then determine the reliability of uncertainty.

If you want to create a calibration curve, you can do so in Microsoft Excel in just minutes. As long as you have the dataset for the graph, you’re ready to go.

How to Create a Calibration Graph in Excel

To create your calibration curve in Excel, you’ll need your sets of data for the x- and y-axis. You can then add a trendline for a linear calibration curve and display the equation before customizing the graph.

Select the calibration data for the chart. The data in the first column is for the x-axis (horizontal) and the second column is for the y-axis (vertical).

You’ll then see the scatter plot with your data.

To add the trendline, do one of the following:

Note that although a Linear trendline is common for a calibration curve, you can choose a different type if needed.

As you can see, our R-squared value is 0.9888 which is close to 1.0 and means that our calibration curve is reliable.

Customize the Calibration Graph in Excel

Like other types ofcharts you create in Excel, you can customize your calibration graph too. You can change the default title, add axis titles, adjust the color scheme, resize your chart, and customize other options per your preference.

By default, the title of your calibration graph is “Chart Title.” Simply select the text box containing this title and enter your own.

If you don’t see the chart title, go to theChart Designtab, openAdd Chart Elements, move toChart Title, and choose a location.

You can add titles to the vertical, horizontal, or both axes. On theChart Designtab, open theAdd Chart Elementmenu, move toAxis Titles, and choose one or both options.

On Windows, you can also select theChart Elementsbutton, check the box forAxis Titles, and mark the boxes for those you want to use.

Once you see the Axis Title, select the text box with the title and enter your own.

Depending on the purpose of your calibration graph, you may want to use complementary colors.

Select the graph, go to theChart Designtab, and choose a color scheme in theChange Colorsdrop-down menu. You can also use theChart Stylesbox to the right for a different design.

On Windows, you can select theChart Stylesbutton and use theColorstab to choose your color scheme.

You can make the calibration graph larger or smaller by simply dragging in Excel. Select the chart and then drag a corner or edge, releasing when you have the size you want.

For other customization options, review the tools on theChart Designtab or right-click the graph, chooseFormat Chart, and use the options in theFormat Chart Areasidebar.

Using your calibration data and a scatter chart, you can pop a calibration curve into your Excel spreadsheet with little effort. Then, use the chart tools to make its appearance more appealing.

For more, look at how tomake a bell curve chart in Excel.

Sandy Writtenhouse is a freelance technology writer and former Project, Department, and Program Manager. She turned her education, job experience, and love of technology into a full-time writing career. With all sorts of gadgets in her home and her hands, she seeks to help others make life easier through technology.Read Sandy’s Full Bio

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