In this final capstone phase of the Beginners track, you will complete the Student Report Card project by creating a visual performance ranking chart, setting up print boundaries, and exporting the finalized dashboard as a presentation-ready PDF report.
Step 1: Creating the Student Comparison Column Chart
To compare student overall percentages visually:
1
Highlight student names in cells B3:B13.
2
Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
3
Highlight the corresponding percentages in cells I3:I13 (holding Ctrl allows you to highlight two non-adjacent columns!).
4
Go to Insert > Charts > Insert Column or Bar Chart > 2D Clustered Column.
5
Position the chart neatly below the summary statistics table (e.g., covering cells B20:H36).
Step 2: Styling and Customizing the Chart
1
Chart Title: Double-click the chart title and rename it: Overall Student Performance (%).
2
Chart Colors: Click the chart, click the Paintbrush icon > Color, and select an Emerald Green palette matching the report theme.
3
Data Labels:
Click the green '+' (Chart Elements) button.
Check [✓] Data Labels > Outside End.
The exact percentage appears above each student's bar!
1
Clean up:
Delete the vertical Y-axis (since exact numbers are now visible on each bar).
Uncheck Gridlines to create a clean modern visual.
Step 3: Page Setup & Print Area Configuration
Ensure the report prints as a single elegant page:
1
Select the entire report range: A1:J38.
2
Go to Page Layout > Print Area > Set Print Area.
3
Set Orientation: Landscape.
4
Under Scale to Fit:
Set Width: 1 page.
Set Height: 1 page.
1
Go to Margins > Custom Margins and check [✓] Horizontally under Center on page.
Step 4: Exporting the Final Report as PDF
1
Go to File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document.
2
Name your file: Greenwood_Academy_Report_Card_2026.pdf.
3
Click Publish.
4
Open the PDF: You have created an automated, beautifully formatted, formula-powered academic report card!
Interactive Quiz• Knowledge Check
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1
What key must be held down to select two non-adjacent column ranges (such as Student Names in Col B and Percentages in Col I) simultaneously?
Question 2
How can you ensure that both the data table and the performance chart print together on a single physical page?
Question 3
Which chart element displays exact percentage scores directly above each student's column bar?
Question 4
What is the benefit of setting "Center on Page: Horizontally" before exporting an Excel report to PDF?
Question 5
What file format is optimal for sending a finalized, non-editable copy of the Student Report Card to parents and school administrators?