Excel: Creating Charts - University of Bath - Ranked … in Excel BUCS IT Training 2 Area Chart An...

Excel: Creating Charts

BUCS IT Training

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHARTING IN EXCEL ...................................................................................................................... 1

WHICH CHART TO USE?!................................................................................................................ 1

SOME DEFINITIONS OF TERMINOLOGY RELATING TO CHARTS.................................... 3

CREATING A CHART........................................................................................................................ 5

CHART WIZARD .................................................................................................................................. 5 ADD DATA TO A CHART....................................................................................................................... 7

EDITING CHARTS.............................................................................................................................. 8

TRENDLINES IN CHARTS ............................................................................................................. 10

USING PICTURES IN EXCEL CHARTS....................................................................................... 10

USING DATES IN CHARTS............................................................................................................. 11

TO CHANGE THE BASE UNIT .............................................................................................................. 11

SELECT A DIFFERENT CHART TYPE........................................................................................ 12

CUSTOM CHART TYPES................................................................................................................ 12

SAVE A CUSTOM CHART TYPE TO APPLY TO OTHER CHARTS...................................... 12

THE CHART TOOLBAR.................................................................................................................. 14

FORMATTING IN CHARTS............................................................................................................ 14

ZOOM OR SIZE THE DISPLAY OF A CHART SHEET............................................................. 20

TO SIZE THE CHART SHEET SO THAT IT FILLS THE ENTIRE WORKBOOK WINDOW ............................. 20

VIEW AN EMBEDDED CHART IN A SEPARATE WINDOW.................................................. 20

TROUBLESHOOTING CHARTS.................................................................................................... 20

Author: R. Simmons, IT Training Manager

Copyright: ©University of Bath

This document can be used for non-profit use by academic institutions provided this

copyright statement is included and acknowledged.

Please contact the Information Officer, BUCS, University of Bath for further

information.

Charting in Excel BUCS IT Training

1

Charting in Excel Any table of data in a worksheet can be depicted graphically in the form of a chart. Excel allows you

to create many different types of charts from a very simple bar chart to a 3-dimensional surface one.

Charts can exist as objects in a worksheet - normally containing the source data - or they can ‘stand

alone’ in their own sheet. Charts can also be easily altered and amended once they have been created.

Which Chart to use?! Before creating a chart let's just quickly consider some of the different types available.

Bar Chart

A bar chart illustrates comparisons among individual items.

Categories are organized vertically, values horizontally, to focus

on comparing values and to place less emphasis on time.

Column Chart

A column chart shows data changes over a period of time or

illustrates comparisons among items. Categories are organized

horizontally, values vertically, to emphasize variation over

category. The 3-D perspective column chart compares data

points along two axes.

Pie Chart

A pie chart shows the proportional size of items that make up a

data series to the sum of the items. It always shows only one data

series and is useful when you want to emphasize a significant

element. To make small slices easier to see, you can group them

together as one item in a pie chart and then break down that item in

a smaller pie or bar chart next to the main chart.

Scatter Chart

An xy (scatter) chart either shows the relationships among the

numeric values in several data series or plots two groups of

numbers as one series of xy coordinates. It shows uneven

intervals - or clusters - of data and is commonly used for

scientific data. When you arrange your data, place x values in

one row or column and then enter corresponding y values in

the adjacent rows or columns.

Bubble Chart

A bubble chart is a type of XY (scatter) chart. The size of the

data marker indicates the value of a third variable. To arrange

your data, place the x values in one row or column, and enter

corresponding y values and bubble sizes in the adjacent rows or

columns.

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Area Chart

An area chart is particlularly effective for emphasizing the

magnitude of change over time. By displaying the sum of

the plotted values, an area chart also shows the relationship

of parts to a whole.

Line Chart

A line chart shows trends in data at equal intervals.

Although line charts are similar to area charts, line charts

emphasize time flow and the rate of change, rather than the

amount of change or the magnitude of values.

A 3-D line chart shows a view of a line chart as 3-D

ribbons.

This chart type is often used to display data

attractively for presentations.

Doughnut Chart

Like a pie chart, a doughnut chart shows the relationship of

parts to a whole, but it can contain more than one data series.

Each ring of the doughnut chart represents a data series.

Radar Chart

In a radar chart, each category has its own value axis radiating

from the center point. Lines connect all the values in the same

series. A radar chart compares the aggregate values of a number

of data series.

Combination Chart

A combination chart shows different data series measured on

different scales to show how they correspond.

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Surface Chart

A surface chart is useful when you want to find optimum combinations between two sets of data. As

in a topographic map, colors and patterns indicate areas that are in the same range of values.

Surface charts are useful for finding the best combinations between two sets of data. This chart can be

used to show relationships between large amounts of data that may otherwise be difficult to see. As in

topographic maps, colors or patterns indicate areas that are of the same value. The colors do not mark

the data series. The wire frame format displays the data in black and white. The contour chart formats

provide a 2-D view of the data from above, similar to a 2-D topographic map.

Cone, Cylinder, and Pyramid Chart

Types

The cone, cylinder, and pyramid data markers

can lend a dramatic effect to 3-D column and

bar charts.

Some Definitions of Terminology Relating to Charts

Categories

Individual measurement points or criteria for the data in a chart.

Category Name

An individual label on the x axis, also known as a tick-mark label.

Chart Area

The entire chart; containing all of the data series, axes, titles and legends.

Chart Sheet

A separate sheet in the workbook which only contains one chart.

Data Label

The value or name assigned to individual data points. Its display on the chart is optional.


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Data Points

Values from cells on worksheets, displayed as bars, lines, columns, pie slices or other shapes on a

chart.

Data Series

A collection of related values plotted on a chart.

Drop Lines

Vertical lines extending from the data point to the category (x) axis, which can be used on area and

line charts.

Embedded Chart

The chart is embedded as an object on the worksheet, alongside the data it is generated from. The

chart can be printed as part of that sheet or as a separate item. Best used when the data needs to be

shown in the context of the worksheet data.

Gap Width

The value that controls the spaces between clusters of columns or bars. The higher the gap width

value, the larger the space between clusters of data markers.

Gridlines

Lines across the plot area, allowing the eye to travel more easily back to the values on the axes.

High-Low Lines

In a line chart, these are lines that connect the highest and lowest value for a category across all series.

Legend

A key that appears in a small box beside your chart, showing which colours and symbols represent

each data series.

Orientation

Refers to the data to be charted, and particularly to whether it is in rows or columns.

Overlap Value

The value that controls the overlap of data points within a cluster of columns or bars. The higher the

overlap value, the greater the overlap between data markers.

Plot Area

The part of the chart bound by the vertical and horizontal axes and their opposing sides.

Secondary Value Axis

An additional value axis that appears on the opposite side of the plot area from the primary value axis.

Used when plotting mixed types of data, such as quantity and price, where different scales are

required.

Series Lines

In a stacked bar chart, these appear as lines between the stacked columns that connect the top of each

series within the stack.


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Subtype

Variation of a basic chart type.

Tick-mark

Indicators on the axes used to mark off division of scale and/or category or to separate series groups

on the x axis.

Up-down Bars

In a line chart, these are bars that extend between the highest and lowest value for a category. Up bars

are white, and down bars are black.

X & Y Axes

The X axis lies along the bottom of the chart and is usually used for categories. The Y axis goes up

one side and is used for data series values. The axes are reversed on bar charts.

Creating a Chart Excel creates a chart from data in a worksheet. You select the data to be included and then use Excel’s

charting tools to produce the type of chart you want.

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Sometimes it makes sense to display a chart within the context of its worksheet data. In such cases

you should use an embedded chart. If you want to display a chart in isolation – perhaps for an

overhead/presention – create a chart sheet.

Chart Wizard This a 4-step feature that takes you through choosing the data, the chart type, adding items and finally

selecting where it will be placed. To move from one stage of the Wizard to the next stage, you click

Next.

1. First highlight the data you wish to create your chart from.

2. Start Chart Wizard : Either by

♦ Insert - chart OR

♦ Click on the Chart Wizard icon on the tool bar.


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3. Select a Chart Type from the list on the left, and click on your preferred sub-Type from the

selection on the right.

4. Click Next.

5. On the Data Range tab you can specify which worksheet cells produce the data and labels

shown in your chart.

♦ If the Preview Chart looks as you expected, the range of values selected is probably correct.

♦ To change the data and labels on your chart, click in the Data Range box. Click Collapse

Dialog to temporarily close the Dialog box, then select a new range of cells.

♦ On the Series tab you can change the names and values for your Data Series and for the

Category Axis labels.

6. Click Next.

7. Chart Options displays six tabs which you can use to change the Titles, Axes, Gridlines,

Legend, Data Labels and Data Table for your chart.

♦ Type in titles and labels for your chart.

♦ If you make changes to any of the settings in the other tabs, you can see the effects in the

Preview Chart.

8. Click Next.


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9. In the final step of the Chart Wizard, you can select whether you place your chart on a

completely new sheet by itself or embed it in the same worksheet as your data table.

10. Click Finish.

Add data to a chart The easiest way to add data to a chart sheet is to copy and paste the data from the worksheet to the

chart. The easiest way to add data to an embedded chart created from adjacent worksheet cells is by

working with colour-coded ranges on the worksheet. You can also add data to an embedded chart by

dragging the data from the worksheet to the chart. If your embedded chart is created from non-

adjacent selections, use the copy and paste procedure

Add data to a chart by copying and pasting

1. Select the cells that contain the data you want to add to the chart.

If you want the column or row label for the new data to appear in the chart, include the cell that

contains the label in the selection.

2. Click Copy.

3. Click the chart.

4. To make Microsoft Excel automatically paste the data in the chart, click Paste.

To specify how you want to plot the data in the chart, click Paste Special on the Edit menu and

then select the options you want.

Add data to an embedded chart by using colour-coded ranges

The embedded chart must be created from adjacent selections and be on the same worksheet as the

data used to create it.

1. Type the data and labels you want to add on the worksheet in the cells next to the existing data.

2. Select the chart area by clicking the blank area between the border of the chart and the plot area.


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♦ To add new categories and data series to the chart, on the worksheet drag the blue selection

handle to include the new data and labels in the rectangle.

♦ To add new data series only, on the worksheet drag the green selection handle to include the new

data and labels in the rectangle.

♦ To add new categories and data points, on the worksheet drag the purple selection handle to

include the new data and labels in the rectangle.

♦ To change the range of data plotted in the chart, drag the border of the color-coded range.

Editing Charts

Change the cell range used to create a chart

1. Click the chart you want to change.

2. On the Chart menu, click Source Data and then click the Data Range tab.

3. Make sure the entire reference in the Data range box is selected.

4. Click Collapse Dialog.

5. On the worksheet use your mouse to re-select the cells that contain the data you want to appear in

the chart.

6. Click back on Collapse Dialog to return to the Dialog box.

7. Check the effects of your new selection in the Preview Chart.

8. Click OK.

♦ If you want the column and row labels to appear in the chart, include the cells that contain them in

the selection.

Add a text box to a chart

1. Click the chart to which you want to add a text box.

2. On the Drawing toolbar click Text Box.

3. Click where you want one corner of the text box and then drag until the box is the size you want.

4. Type the text you want in the box. The text will wrap inside the box.

To start a new line inside the box, press ENTER.

5. When you finish typing, press ESC or click outside of the text box.

To display the Drawing Toolbar select View – Toolbars – Drawing.

Change category axis labels

♦ To change category axis labels on the worksheet, click the cell that contains the label name you

want to change, type the new name and then press ENTER.

♦ To change category axis labels on the chart, click the chart and then click Source Data on the

Chart menu. In the Category axis labels box on the Series tab, specify the worksheet range you

want to use as category axis labels.


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Change data series names or legend text

♦ To change legend text or data series names on the worksheet, click the cell that contains the data

series name you want to change, type the new name and then press ENTER.

♦ To change legend text or data series names on the chart, click the chart and then click Source

Data on the Chart menu. On the Series tab, click the data series names you want to change. In

the Name box, specify the worksheet cell you want to use as the legend text or data series name.

You can also type the name you want to use.

♦ If you type a name in the Name box, the legend text or data series name is no longer linked to a

worksheet cell.

Edit chart and axis titles

1. Click the title you want to change.

2. Type the new text you want.

3. Press ENTER.

Change values in a chart

The values in a chart are linked to the worksheet from which the chart is created. The chart is updated

when you change the data on the worksheet.

1. Open the worksheet that contains the data plotted in the chart.

2. In the cell that contains the value you want to change, type a new value.

3. Press ENTER.

Change an embedded chart to a chart sheet, and vice versa

1. Click the chart that you want to move or change.

2. On the Chart menu, click Location.

3. To place the chart on a new chart sheet, click As new sheet and then type a name for the new

chart sheet in the As new sheet box.

To place the chart as an embedded object on a worksheet, click As object in, click a sheet name

in the As object in box and then click OK. Drag the embedded chart where you want it on the

worksheet.

Add data labels to a chart

The chart type associated with the selected data series or data point determines the type of label you

can add.

1. To add data labels to a data series, click the data series.

2. To add a data label to a single data point, click the data series that contains the data marker you

want to label and then click the data marker for the data point you want to label.

3. On the Format menu, click Data Series or Data Point.

4. On the Data Labels tab, select the options you want.

♦ You can quickly label all data points. Click the chart, click Chart Options on the Chart menu

and then select the options you want on the Data Labels tab.


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Trendlines in charts

Trendlines are used to graphically display trends in data and to analyze problems of prediction. Such

analysis is also called regression analysis. By using regression analysis, you can extend a trendline in

a chart beyond the actual data to predict future values.

Moving Average

You can also create a moving average, which smoothes out fluctuations in data and shows the pattern

or trend more clearly.

Chart types that support trendlines

You can add trendlines to data series in unstacked 2-D area, bar, column, line, stock, xy (scatter) and

bubble charts. You cannot add trendlines to data series in 3-D, stacked, radar, pie, surface or doughnut

charts. If you change a chart or data series so that it can no longer support the associated trendline, for

example, by changing the chart type to a 3-D chart, you lose the trendlines.

Add a trendline to a data series

1. Click the data series to which you want to add a trendline or moving average.

2. On the Chart menu, click Add Trendline.

3. On the Type tab, click the type of regression trendline or moving average you want.

♦ If you select Polynomial, enter in the Order box the highest power for the independent variable.

♦ If you select Moving Average, enter in the Period box the number of periods to be used to

calculate the moving average.

♦ The Based on series box lists all the data series in the chart that support trendlines. To add a

trendline to another series, click the name in the box and then select the options you want.

♦ If you add a moving average to an xy (scatter) chart, the moving average is based on the order of

the x values plotted in the chart. To get the result you want, you might need to sort the x values

before adding a moving average.

Using Pictures in Excel Charts To make your charts more interesting you can incorporate pictures which help to illustrate the figures

you are talking about.

1. Click the chart item that you want to use a picture for.

2. On the Formatting toolbar, click the arrow next to Fill Color, click Fill Effects and then

click the Picture tab.

3. To specify a picture, click Select Picture.


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4. In the Look in box, browse for the file that contains your picture.

5. On the Picture tab, select the options you want.

Using dates in charts When you create a chart from worksheet data that uses dates, and the dates make up the category (x)

axis in the chart, Microsoft Excel automatically uses a time-scale category axis. The time-scale

category axis displays dates in chronological order at specific intervals, or "base units," even if the

dates on the worksheet are not in order or in the same base units. Excel initially sets the time-scale

base units (days, months or years) according to the smallest difference between any two dates in the

data. You can change the base unit setting, and Excel will redraw the chart.

To change the base unit Click the axis that you want to change.

Click Selected Axis on the Format menu.

Click the options you want on the Scale tab.

Time-scale charts and times

You can't create time-scale charts from data that is measured at intervals of hours, minutes or seconds.

Only days, months and years are considered base units in time-scale charts.


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Select a different chart type For most 2-D charts, you can change the chart type of either a data series or the entire chart. For

bubble charts, you can change only the type of the entire chart. For most 3-D charts, changing the

chart type affects the entire chart. For 3-D bar and column charts, you can change a data series to the

cone, cylinder or pyramid chart type.

1. Click the chart you want to change.

2. To change the chart type of a data series, click the data series.

3. To change the chart type of the entire chart, don't click anything on the chart. On the Chart

menu, click Chart Type. On the Standard Types or Custom Types tab, click the chart type

you want.

4. To apply the cone, cylinder or pyramid chart type to a 3-D bar or column data series, click

Cylinder, Cone or Pyramid in the Chart type box on the Standard Types tab and then

select the Apply to selection check box.

♦ If you clear the Apply to selection check box, Microsoft Excel changes the chart type for the

entire chart even if a single data series is selected.

Custom chart types When you create a chart or want to change the type of a chart, you can choose between a standard

chart type and a custom chart type. With a custom chart type, which is similar to a template or a style,

you can quickly change the look of your chart. Each custom chart type is based on a standard chart

type and contains additional formatting and options, such as a legend, gridlines, data labels, a

secondary axis, colors, patterns, fills and placement choices for various chart items.

Save a custom chart type to apply to other charts

1. Click the chart you want to save as a custom chart type.

2. On the Chart menu, click Chart Type.

3. On the Custom Types tab, click User-defined.

4. Click Add.

5. In the Name box, type a name.

If you want to add a description, type it in the Description box.

6. Click OK.


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Ways to select chart items

To select a chart item by using the mouse, do one of two things:

♦ Click the chart item you want. Data series, data labels and the legend have individual

elements that can be selected after you select the group. For example, to select a single

data marker in a data series, click the data series and then click the data marker. Microsoft

Excel displays the name of a chart item in a Screen Tip box when you rest the pointer

over the item if you have the Show names check box selected (Tools menu, Options

command, Chart tab).

♦ Click the chart, click the arrow next to the Chart Objects box on the Chart toolbar and

then click the item you want.

To select a chart item by using the keyboard, use the arrow keys.

To cancel a selection, press ESC.


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The Chart Toolbar The Chart toolbar helps you to format your chart quickly and easily.

Chart Objects box

Here you select the Chart Object which you wish to format.

Format icon

This will open an appropriate formatting dialog box, depending on which

type of object is selected.

Chart Type

Will enable you to change the Chart Type to another.

Legend

This button will toggle between displaying or not displaying a legend box.

Data Table

This button will toggle between displaying or not displaying a data table

next to your chart.

By Row

By Column

These two buttons will change whether your data is plotted by row or

column.

Angle Text Upward

Angle Text Downward

These change the alignment of the text you have selected.

Formatting in Charts

Change colours, patterns, lines, fills, and borders in charts

1. Double-click the chart item you want to change.

2. Select the colour you now wish to see or Fill Effects to create a gradient fill

3. Click on OK.

♦ Formatting applied to an axis is also applied to the tick marks on that axis. Gridlines are formatted

independently of axes.


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Change colours in a surface chart

To format the colours of the levels in a surface chart, you must format the legend key.

1. If the chart doesn't have a legend, you need to add one by clicking Legend on the Chart

toolbar.

2. Click the legend once to select it and then click the legend key that represents the surface

level you want to change.

3. On the Format menu, click Legend Key and then click the Patterns tab.

4. Click the colour you want and then repeat steps 2 and 3 for each level you want to format.

Note

If you want to delete the legend, click the legend and then press DELETE. The colours you specified

remain in the surface chart after you delete the legend.

Vary colors in the same data series

You can vary the colors of data markers within the same data series in doughnut charts and in single-

series charts. The colors of slices in pie charts and doughnut charts are varied by default.

1. Click the data series you want to change the colours for.

2. On the Format menu, click Selected Data Series or Selected Data Point and then click the

Options tab.

3. Select the Vary colors by point check box or the Vary colors by slice check box.


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Display or hide gridlines in a chart

1. Click the chart to which you want to add gridlines.

2. On the Chart menu, click Chart Options and then click the Gridlines tab.

3. Select the check boxes for the gridlines you want to display.

4. Clear the check boxes for the gridlines you want to hide.

Display or hide axes in a chart

1. Click the chart in which you want to display or hide axes.

2. On the Chart menu, click Chart Options and then click the Axes tab.

3. Select the check boxes for the axes you want to display.

4. Clear the check boxes for the axes you want to hide.

Rotate text in a chart title or along an axis

You can rotate, or "angle" text in a chart title or along an axis. You cannot rotate legend text.

1. Click the axis or the title you want to format.

♦ If you clicked an axis, click Format – Axis.

♦ If you clicked an axis title, click Format - Axis Title

♦ If you clicked a chart title, click Format - Chart Title.

2. Click the Alignment tab.

♦ If you don't see the Alignment tab, click Cancel, click outside of the text you want to

format and then repeat steps 1-3.

3. To rotate text, under Orientation, click a degree point or drag the indicator to the position you

want.

♦ To quickly rotate selected text 45 degrees up or down, click Angle Text Upward or

Angle Text Downward on the Chart toolbar.


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Change the display unit on the value axis

If your chart values consist of large numbers, you can make the axis text shorter and more readable by

changing the display unit of the axis. For example, if the chart values range from 1,000,000 to

50,000,000, you can display the numbers as 1 to 50 on the axis and show a label that indicates that the

units express millions.

1. Click the value axis you want to change.

2. On the Format menu, click Selected Axis and then click the Scale tab.

3. In the Display units list, click the units you want or type a numeric value.

4. To show a label that describes the units expressed, select the Show display units label on

chart check box.

Change the scale of the value axis

The scale specifies the range of values on an axis, the way the axis values are displayed, the intervals

at which the values occur and the point at which one axis crosses another.

1. Click the value axis you want to change.


3. Select the options you want.

♦ To flip the direction of bars or columns in a bar or column chart, select the Values in reverse

order check box.

Change the spacing of tick marks and labels on the category axis

Each category on the category axis is identified by a label and separated from other categories by tick

marks. You can change the intervals at which labels and tick marks appear. For 2-D charts, you can

specify where you want the value (y) axis to cross the category (x) axis.

1. Click the category axis you want to change.



Note

When you have more than one line of category axis labels, you cannot change the number of

categories between tick mark labels, the number of categories between tick marks or where the value

(y) axis crosses between categories.

When you have more than one level of category axis labels, you can change the amount of space or

offset between the levels.

To have the edges of an area chart meet the edges of the plot area, clear the Value (Y) axis crosses

between categories check box.


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Change the position of data labels automatically

You can change the position of a single data label by dragging it. Use this procedure to place all labels

for a data series in a standard position on their data markers in 2-D bar, column and line charts; 2-D

and 3-D pie charts; and scatter and bubble charts.

1. Click the chart outside of the data labels that you want to change.

2. Click one of the data labels in the series that you want to change.

3. On the Format menu, click Selected Data Labels and then click the Alignment tab.

4. In the Label position box, click the location you want.

Overlap or space data markers in bar and column charts

You need to select only a single data series to change the overlap or spacing of all data series of the

same chart type.

1. Click a data series in the chart you want to change.

2. On the Format menu, click Selected Data Series and then click the Options tab.

3. To change the overlap of the data markers in each category, enter a value between -100 and

100 in the Overlap box. The higher the value, the greater the overlap within the category.

4. To change the spacing between categories of data markers, enter a value between 0 (zero) and

500 in the Gap width box. The higher the value, the greater the distance between each

category.

Pull out slices in pie and doughnut charts

In a doughnut chart, you can pull out only the slices of the outer ring.

♦ To pull out all of the slices in a pie chart, click the pie and then drag away from the center of

the chart.

♦ To pull out only one slice in a pie chart, click the pie, click the slice you want to move and

then drag the slice away from the center of the chart.

♦ To pull out all of the slices in the outer ring of a doughnut chart, click the outer ring and then

drag away from the center of the chart.

♦ To pull out only one slice in the outer ring of a doughnut chart, click the outer ring, click the

slice you want to move and then drag the slice away from the center of the chart.

Rotate the position of the slices in a doughnut or pie chart

The order in which Microsoft Excel plots data series in pie and doughnut charts is determined by the

order of the data on the worksheet. The Options in the Format Menu enable you to change the angle

of the first “slice” of your Chart.

1. Click a data series in the pie or doughnut chart you want to change.

2. On the Format menu, click Selected Data Series and then click the Options tab.

3. In the Angle of first slice box, type a value between 0 (zero) and 360 to specify the angle at

which you want the first slice to appear.


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Change the height and perspective in a 3-D chart

Depending on the chart type and the chart options you select, you can change the height and

perspective in the chart.

1. Click the 3-D chart you want to change.

2. On the Chart menu, click 3-D View.


♦ When the Right angle axes check box is cleared, you can set the Perspective and Height options.

♦ When the Right angle axes check box is selected, you can either set the Height option or turn the

Auto scaling option on.

♦ The Perspective option is not available for 3-D bar charts, for which the Right angle axes check

box is always selected.

Change the rotation and elevation in a 3-D chart

1. Click the 3-D chart you want to change.

2. On the Chart menu, click 3-D View.


♦ You can also rotate the chart by using the mouse. Click the intersection of any two axes to select

the corners of the chart, and then drag a corner to adjust the elevation and rotation in the chart. To

view the data markers, hold down CTRL while you drag.

Change the depth and width in a 3-D chart

You can change the chart depth in 3-D charts that have axes, the gap depth in 3-D perspective charts

and the gap width in 3-D bar or column charts.

1. Click a data series in the 3-D chart you want to change.

2. Select the Format - Data Series - Options tab.


Move and resize chart items by using the mouse

In most charts, you can use the mouse to resize and move the chart area, the plot area and the legend.

Microsoft Excel automatically sizes titles to accommodate their text. You can move titles with the

mouse but you cannot resize them.

Click the chart item you want to move or resize.


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♦ To move an item, point to the item and then drag it to another location.

♦ To resize an item, point to a sizing handle. When the pointer changes to a double-headed arrow,

drag the sizing handle until the item is the size you want.

Note You can also use the mouse to pull out slices in pie and doughnut charts and to move or resize data

markers.

Zoom or size the display of a chart sheet

1. Click the tab for the chart sheet.

2. To zoom in or out of a chart sheet, click Zoom on the View menu and then click the option

you want.

To size the chart sheet so that it fills the entire workbook window

Click Sized with Window on the View menu.

♦ When a chart sheet is sized with the window, you cannot zoom in or out of it.

View an embedded chart in a separate window

1. Click the embedded chart you want to see in its own window.

2. On the View menu, click Chart Window.

Troubleshooting Charts

Text is missing along the horizontal axis of the chart. There may not be enough room in the chart to display all of the axis labels. If some of the category

names aren't visible along the horizontal axis of the chart, try the following:

♦ If the chart is an embedded chart, click the chart and then drag one of the black sizing handles to

enlarge the chart. By default, the fonts in the chart scale proportionally as you resize the chart.

♦ Click the axis, click the arrow next to Font Size and then click a smaller font size.

♦ Double-click the axis labels and then change the rotation angle on the Alignment tab. If the angle

is 0, 90, or – 90 degrees, the text will wrap.

Why does the font size in my chart keep changing? By default, fonts in a chart scale proportionally when you resize an embedded chart or the chart area

of a chart sheet. If you want the font sizes in a chart to remain constant, select the chart area by

clicking the blank area between the border of the chart and the plot area. On the Format menu, click

Chart Area, click the Font tab and then clear the Auto scale check box.

♦ To re-establish links between the worksheet and an embedded chart, redefine the cell range or

drag and resize the color-coded ranges on the worksheet to include the data you want.

♦ Microsoft Excel also breaks the links between data labels and the worksheet data on which the

data labels are based if you typed information directly in the data label in the chart. For

information about re-establishing links between data labels and the worksheet, click.

♦ If you typed additional labels and values on the worksheet outside the range of data that the chart

is based on, you need to add the new data to the chart.

♦ If you created a chart from a PivotTable by using external data and Microsoft Query, you must

refresh the PivotTable to update the chart.


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There are gaps between the dates plotted in my chart. If the worksheet data for the category axis contains date number formatting, Microsoft Excel

automatically uses a special type of axis in your chart called a time-scale axis. A time-scale axis

shows a blank category for dates for which you have no data. Click the chart to select it and then click

Chart Options on the Chart menu. Then on the Axes tab, click Category under Category (X) axis.

I can't scale a chart to print the size I want or print multiple charts on a single page.

♦ If the chart is on a chart sheet, you can scale it when you print it. Activate the chart sheet, click

Page Setup on the File menu and then click the Chart tab. Under Printed chart size, click the

scaling option you want. If you click Custom, the chart will be printed at the size you make it

when you drag its selection handles.

♦ If the chart is an embedded chart on a worksheet, resize the chart by clicking it and then dragging

its selection handles.

♦ You cannot print multiple chart sheets on a single page. To print two or more charts on a page,

create embedded worksheet charts and then resize them to fit on a single page. You can use the

Page Break Preview command on the View menu to see more closely the location of the charts in

the print area.

Date post:	07-Apr-2018
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