Excel edit chart data source

Answer

Editing a chart’s data source is the process of changing the cells, ranges, or tables that supply values and categories to the chart. A chart updates immediately when the source data changes.

How to edit a chart’s data source in Excel

To edit a chart’s data source in Excel, perform the following steps:

1. Select the chart.

2. Open the Chart Design tab.

3. Click Select Data.

4. Change the Chart data range by typing a new range or selecting it with your cursor.

5. Click OK.

The chart updates based on the new source range.

Windows vs. Mac differences

Windows uses Chart Design on the ribbon.
Mac uses Chart Design and Chart Format, but the Select Data button sometimes appears under the Chart Design tab only when the chart is selected. The workflow remains the same.

How to edit specific components of a chart’s data source

1. Edit the category axis labels

1. Select the chart.

2. Click Select Data.

3. Under Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels, click Edit.

4. Choose the new label range.

5. Confirm with OK.

2. Edit a single series

1. Select the chart.

2. Click Select Data.

3. Choose the series you want to modify under Legend Entries (Series).

4. Click Edit.

5. Set a new Series name, Series values, or both.

6. Click OK.

3. Add new data to a chart

1. Select the chart.

2. Click Select Data.

3. Click Add.

4. Define the Series name and Series values.

5. Click OK.

4. Remove data from a chart

1. Select the chart.

2. Click Select Data.

3. Choose the series you want to remove.

4. Click Remove.

5. Confirm with OK.

Working with structured tables

Editing chart data is faster with Excel tables because charts linked to tables expand automatically as rows grow. A table range uses the structured reference format (e.g., Table1[Sales]). Converting data to a table streamlines chart updates.

Steps:

1. Select your dataset.

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

3. Confirm the table creation.

4. Insert a chart from within the table.

5. Add rows to the table; the chart updates without editing the data source.

Why charts fail to update

A chart fails to update for three main reasons:

1. The chart references fixed ranges instead of a table.

2. Blank or merged cells interrupt category label continuity.

3. The workbook uses external links with disabled updates.

Excel does not update charts with broken or outdated links. The behavior leads to static visuals.

Advanced method: Use dynamic ranges

Dynamic ranges with named formulas modify chart data automatically when ranges grow or shrink. Excel responds to named ranges in charts without further editing. This method increases accuracy in automated dashboards.

Dynamic named ranges use functions such as OFFSET, INDEX, or FILTER, but this explanation does not require formulas because the question can be answered without them.

Editing chart data from multiple sheets

Charts can use ranges from several sheets. The process follows the same steps:

1. Select the chart.

2. Click Select Data.

3. In the range field, type or select references across sheets.

4. Confirm with OK.

The chart displays combined data from the selected sheets.

Editing chart data when the option is grayed out

The Select Data button becomes unavailable under these conditions:

1. The chart is a PivotChart.

2. The sheet is protected.

3. The workbook is read-only.

PivotCharts require edits to the PivotTable instead of the chart. Removing protection restores access to editing tools.

How to edit a PivotChart’s data source

1. Select the PivotTable, not the chart.

2. Open PivotTable Analyze.

3. Click Change Data Source.

4. Choose the new range.

5. Refresh the PivotTable.

The PivotChart updates immediately.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report