Adding a New Series to an Excel Chart

SUMMARY

Described below are four ways to add a new series to an existing Excel chart:

1. Copy/Paste the new series data from a spreadsheet to the chart.

   For example, a new series of data has been placed into cells E2:E11 on a spreadsheet. Highlight cells E2:E11, then choose Edit Copy (CTRL+INS on the main keyboard). Activate your chart from the Window menu, then choose Edit Paste (SHIFT+INS).

2. Copy/Paste one chart to another chart.

   For example, two charts are open with compatible category axes. Choose Chart Select Chart on one chart, then choose Edit Copy. Activate the second chart from the Window menu, then choose Edit Paste.

   If the category axes differ between the two charts, the category axis from the copied chart will be used.

3. Insert a new SERIES() formula directly onto the chart as unattached text.

   To use this technique, nothing should be selected. Using a mouse, point at blank space and click the mouse button to unselect anything currently selected. Using the keyboard, choose Format Main Chart and choose OK (ALT+T M ENTER) to unselect.

4. If using Excel version 3.0 you can use the Chart Edit Series command:

   Activate the chart to which you want to add the series or in which you want to edit. Choose Chart Edit Series. If you are creating a new data series, select the New Series option in the series box. In the Name box enter an external absolute reference for the data series name or type the name itself. In the X Label box, type an external absolute reference for the category names of the data series, or select the category names on the worksheet. In the Y Values box, type an external absolute reference for the values, or select the values on the worksheet. In the Plot Order Box, type the order in which you want the series to be plotted. Choose Ok, the series will be added to the chart.

MORE INFORMATION

The general format of the SERIES() formula is as follows:

   =SERIES(Series Name, X-values, Y-values, Series Number)

X-values should be external references to the labels used for the category axis.

Y-values should be external references to the data points themselves.

Series Number should be a number indicating which series this formula refers to.

For example:

   =SERIES("Sales: Region D",SHEET1.XLS!$A$2:$A$11,
   SHEET1.XLS!$E$2:$E$11,4)

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide," version 3.0, pages 442-443

"Microsoft Excel Reference Guide," version 2.1 pages 251-253