Excel: Controlling How Worksheet Data is Plotted in a Chart

 Last reviewed: October 31, 1994
Article ID: Q26900

SUMMARY

Microsoft Excel makes certain assumptions when creating a chart from data on a worksheet.

If there are more rows than columns selected, the values are assumed to be in columns. If text or dates are located in the first row, they are interpreted as series names. If there are text or dates in the first column, they are interpreted as categories.

If there are more columns than rows selected, values are assumed to be in rows. If text or dates are located in the first column, they are interpreted as series names. If there are text or dates in the first row, they are interpreted as categories.

To control the way that Excel interprets worksheet data when creating a chart, do the following:

  1. Select the data to be plotted on the worksheet.

  2. From the Edit menu, choose Copy.

  3. From the File menu, choose New and select Chart. A blank chart will appear on the screen.

  4. From the Edit menu, choose Paste Special.

  5. Select the options desired (for example, "Values in Rows or Columns", "Series Names in First Column or First Row", "Categories in First Row or First Column").

  6. Click OK.

For more information on controlling data interpretation in a chart using Copy/Paste Special, see pages 406-407 of the "Microsoft Excel User's Guide" version 3.00 manual.

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Last reviewed: October 31, 1994
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