How to convert a scanned graph into real data

Have you ever had to pull data from an image of a graph? Maybe a supplier faxed you a 1940s era scan of the variable viscosity of peanut butter. Or, maybe your 401k administrator just sent you a glossy brochure showing historic portfolio performance (yay) and recent changes (boo).

Or, maybe you need to pull data off a chart like this one:

You could get out a ruler and start measuring just like you did in high school. Or, you could download an incredibly useful (and totally free) software tool to do the work for you.

Engauge Digitizer converts any image of a graph into numbers. The image can come from a scanner, digital camera, or screenshot. The tool lets you mark key numeric locations on the image, define the axes, and select the desired points/curves. Then, it magically converts everything into x/y point data that you can bring into Microsoft Excel for re-use.

Enjoy!