Answer

Changing a chart’s data range means updating the cells a chart uses to plot its values. A chart displays the values Excel reads from the selected source range, so modifying the range updates the chart immediately.

How to change a chart’s data range in Excel

To change a chart’s data range in Excel:

1. Select the chart.

2. Select Chart Design on the Ribbon.

3. Select Select Data.

4. Select the Chart data range box.

5. Highlight the new range on the worksheet.

6. Select OK.

The chart updates once the new range is confirmed.

How to change a chart’s data range by dragging

Excel updates the chart when the range is adjusted directly on the worksheet:

1. Select the plotted series on the chart.

2. Look at the highlighted selection boxes around the source data.

3. Drag the corners or edges to include more rows or columns.

4. Release to apply the new boundaries.

The chart adjusts to the modified area.

How to change a chart’s data range for separate series

Excel supports multiple series when the data is not continuous.

1. Select the chart.

2. Select Chart Design.

3. Select Select Data.

4. Add a new series with Add.

5. Enter a Series name, Series values, and Axis labels.

6. Select OK to update the chart.

Each series can be edited or removed in the same window.

How to change a chart’s data range on Windows vs. Mac

Windows and Mac follow the same structure with slight Ribbon labeling differences.

Windows:

1. Select the chart.

2. Select Chart Design.

3. Select Select Data.

Mac:

1. Select the chart.

2. Select the Chart Design tab.

3. Select Select Data from the Chart Layout group.

The dialog boxes display identical options on both platforms.

What happens when the new data range is not valid?

Excel displays a warning when the selected range contains unsupported formats or empty references. A valid range contains numeric or text values structured in adjacent cells.

Why charts do not update automatically

Charts update automatically when data remains inside the defined range. Charts do not update when new rows or columns fall outside the existing range. Dynamic named ranges or Excel Tables prevent this scenario.

How to use Excel Tables to update chart data ranges automatically

Excel Tables expand the chart range as new entries are added.

1. Highlight the data.

2. Press Ctrl + T on Windows or Command + T on Mac.

3. Confirm the Table creation.

4. Base a chart on the Table.

The chart extends the plotted range when new rows appear because Tables maintain structured references.

How to troubleshoot incorrect chart updates

1. Confirm the chart references the correct worksheet.

2. Confirm merged cells do not break the structure.

3. Confirm blank rows or columns do not split the plotted area.

4. Confirm text values are not placed where numeric values are required.

How to change the data range for PivotCharts

PivotCharts depend on PivotTables, not cell ranges.

1. Select the PivotTable.

2. Select PivotTable Analyze.

3. Select Change Data Source.

4. Pick the new range.

5. Refresh the PivotTable.

The PivotChart updates after the PivotTable refresh.

How to change the chart data range through the formula bar

A chart series contains a formula such as:

$=SERIES(Sheet1!\$B\$1,Sheet1!\$A\$2:\$A\$10,Sheet1!\$B\$2:\$B\$10,1)$

1. Select the series on the chart.

2. Click the formula bar.

3. Edit the cell references manually.

4. Press Enter.

The chart updates instantly.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report