How to sort bar chart in excel without sorting data

Answer

To sort a bar chart in Excel without rearranging the underlying data, you can use a helper column or manipulate the chart's series order. This method keeps your original dataset intact while changing the chart’s visual order.

Method 1: Using a Helper Column

1. Insert a new column next to your data. This column will determine the order for the chart.

2. Assign numbers to each data point based on the desired sort order. For example, 1 for the highest value, 2 for the second highest, and so on.

3. Create a bar chart using the helper column as the axis labels or sort reference.

4. Format the chart to display the original data values instead of the helper numbers.

This method is effective because Excel reads the helper column as the order for chart plotting, while the original data remains unchanged.

Method 2: Sorting the Chart Series Directly

1. Click on the chart to activate it.

2. Right-click on the vertical axis (for a horizontal bar chart) or horizontal axis (for a vertical bar chart).

3. Select Format Axis.

4. In the Axis Options pane, find the Categories in reverse order checkbox. Checking this will reverse the bar order without changing the data.

This approach works well for simple ascending or descending order displays.

Method 3: Using a Pivot Chart

1. Convert your data range into a Pivot Table by selecting the range and navigating to Insert → PivotTable.

2. Drag the category field into Rows and the value field into Values.

3. Insert a Pivot Chart from the PivotTable.

4. Right-click the field in the PivotTable, choose Sort → Sort Largest to Smallest (or vice versa).

The Pivot Chart will now reflect the sorted order without changing the original dataset.

Notes

• On Mac, some menu options may have slightly different names, such as Axis Options → Categories in Reverse Order being under a separate formatting tab.

• Using helper columns provides the most flexibility for custom sorting orders beyond simple ascending or descending sequences.

This approach keeps your chart visually sorted while your raw data remains untouched.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report