XL: Using XY Scatter Chart to Plot More Than 4000 Data Points

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

SUMMARY

As referenced in the online Help topic "Charting specifications" for the versions mentioned above, the maximum number of data points in a data series is 4000. Microsoft Excel does not allow you to create a chart with more than 4000 data points.

NOTE: In Microsoft Excel 97, two-dimensional charts such as X-Y scatter charts can have up to 32000 data points per data series. If you need to create a chart that contains more points, the steps shown below still work in Microsoft Excel 97.

MORE INFORMATION

When you try to create a chart with more than 4000 data points, you receive a "Maximum number of data points in a data series is 4000" error message. Microsoft Excel then displays a chart that contains only the first 4000 data points. However, it is possible to create an X-Y scatter chart with more than 4000 data points. This can be done by creating an X- Y scatter chart with the first 4000 data points, and then copying and pasting the additional data points as a new data series and appending it to the first series.

Use the following steps to create an X-Y Scatter chart with more than 4000 data points:

1. Highlight the first 4000 data points and use the Chart Wizard to create the X-Y scatter chart.

2. Highlight the remaining data points (press CTRL+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW) and copy them (press CTRL+C).

3. Highlight the chart by clicking on it once. On the Edit menu, click Paste Special, and paste the data as a new series.

REFERENCES

For more information about Charting Specifications, search on the phrase "Charting specifications" using the Microsoft Excel Help Index.