Create a WPS Spreadsheet Chart for Steel Beam Deflections by Grade
Question details
Create a chart that compares steel beam deflection values across cross-sections for S275 and S355 steel grades.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheet
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user needs to visualize beam cross-sections on the horizontal axis and deflection values on the vertical axis, with one series for each steel grade.
- Observed behavior
- The desired chart should display each cross-section as a category and show separate S275 and S355 deflection series for comparison.
Place the beam cross-section names in one column and enter numeric deflection values for S275 and S355 in adjacent columns. Include clear headers in the first row so WPS Spreadsheet can identify the axis labels and series names.
Insert a clustered column chart for S275 and S355 deflections
Use this option when you want to compare the two steel grades side by side for every beam cross-section.
A clustered column chart makes differences between S275 and S355 deflection values easy to compare at each cross-section. A line chart can also be used when the cross-sections follow a meaningful size or ordering sequence.
In WPS Spreadsheet, create three columns: enter Cross-Section in column A, S275 Deflection in column B, and S355 Deflection in column C. Enter one beam cross-section and its two deflection values on each subsequent row.
Drag to select the header row and all populated rows, including the Cross-Section, S275 Deflection, and S355 Deflection columns.
Go to Insert > Chart, choose Column, and select Clustered Column. Confirm that the first row is used as series names and the first column is used as category labels.
Click the chart and use Chart Tools > Select Data if needed. Verify that Cross-Section is assigned to the horizontal axis and that S275 Deflection and S355 Deflection are separate series.
Select the chart, then use Chart Tools > Add Chart Element to add a chart title and axis titles. Use labels such as Steel Beam Deflection by Grade, Cross-Section, and Deflection Value.
Visualize Steel Beam Deflections by Grade with WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet lets you organize beam deflection results by cross-section and steel grade, then turn the selected table into a clear clustered column or line chart. You can edit series names, axis titles, and chart formatting to present S275 and S355 comparisons clearly.
- 1. Enter the engineering data: Open WPS Spreadsheet and add Cross-Section, S275 Deflection, and S355 Deflection headers above your data columns.
- 2. Highlight the chart range: Select the full table, including the column headers and all beam rows.
- 3. Choose a comparison chart: Select Insert > Chart > Column > Clustered Column to display the two grades side by side.
- 4. Set chart labels: Use Chart Tools to add a title, horizontal-axis title, vertical-axis title, and legend for the two steel grades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I arrange steel beam deflection data before creating the chart?
Use one header row with Cross-Section, S275 Deflection, and S355 Deflection. Put each beam cross-section on its own row, with the corresponding numeric deflection results in the two grade columns.
Which chart type is best for comparing S275 and S355 deflections?
Choose Insert > Chart > Column > Clustered Column to compare the two grade values side by side for each cross-section. Use a line chart if the cross-sections are arranged in a meaningful progression and you want to emphasize trends.
Why are my beam cross-sections not showing on the horizontal axis?
Select the chart, open Chart Tools > Select Data, and set the Cross-Section cells as the Horizontal Axis Labels. Also make sure the category labels were included when you selected the source table.
How do I rename the S275 and S355 chart series?
Click the chart, go to Chart Tools > Select Data, select a series, and choose Edit. Set the series name to the cell containing S275 Deflection or S355 Deflection.
