Making Charts from Derived Data

[erdoudna]

Hi there,

I have what I hope is a simple question but requires some explanation. I'm not completely new to Excel, but my experience is limited. I know, for example, how to create bar and pie charts from data in a spreadsheet. I also know how to do simple formulas to derive data.

I have a spreadsheet with data that is both inputted, and derived (columns of SUMS, Products, ratios). I want to make charts of the "top 10" or "top 5" of the data in these columns (derived from formulas), but when I sort the data largest to smallest in those columns, (expanding the data) the values don't stay true.

Is it because I need to make the spreadsheet into a table? Should I make it into a table BEFORE deriving the data columns (formulas) or after? Should I make it into a regular table or a pivot table? I'm using Excel 2013 at home, but I use Excel 2010 at work.

This must be a common use of Excel. Any tips would be helpful.

Thanks.

[pecoflyer]

Hi and welcome to the board

could you please post a sample sheet showing what you have and expected results? Thx