Here we have historical, 30-year mortgage interest rates going back to 1971.
Let’s plot this data in a line chart.
Line charts are especially good at visualizing trends over time.
The first option is the one I want.
The result is a simple line chart.
This is a great example of the simplicity of a line chart.
Now let’s clean up the chart.
First, I’ll work on the vertical axis.
I’ll put the number 100 in any cell, and then copy to the clipboard.
Next, I’ll opt for entire column and use paste special with values and divide.
This divides every value in the column by 100, in place, without any formulas.
Now when I apply the percentage number format, things look good.
And the vertical axis immediately picks up this formatting, since link to source is enabled.
Next, let’s declutter the horizontal axis.
I’ll double-poke the axis to bring up the format task pane.
Next, I’ll set major units to 5 years.
