Modifying Charts

When you modify a chart, you can change any of the options that belong to that chart type. Modifying a chart allows you to change the text of the chart and how it appears on the chart. This includes titles, legends, axes, data labels, and data tables.

To change chart elements:

  1. Select the chart you want to modify and select Chart Options... from the Chart menu.
  2. Select the Titles tab to add or change the title of the chart and the titles for the axes.
  3. Select the Axes tab to change the display of the axes for the chart.
  4. Select the Gridlines tab to change the display of the gridlines in the chart.
  5. Select the Legend tab to change the position of the legend for the chart.
  6. Select the Data Labels tab to add or remove labels from the chart.
  7. Select the Data Table tab to show the numeric data in the chart.
  8. The Preview box shows how your chart will look. When you are satisfied with the look of your chart, click OK.


Excel offers many different types of charts to display your data and makes it easy to change from one chart type to another.

To change the chart type:

  1. Select the Chart you want to change.
  2. Select Chart Type... from the Chart menu.
  3. Click a chart type to see the different chart sub-types.
  4. Click a chart sub-type to select it.
  5. Click the Press and Hold to View Sample button to see how your data will appear in the chart.
  6. Click OK to change your chart.

To change the chart elements:

  • Right-click on the chart you want to change and select Chart Options... from the menu.
  • Point to Toolbars on the View menu and select Chart to display the Chart toolbar; then click any of the chart options on the toolbar.