Tame your computer – change your chart choices

A chart is a graphic representation of your worksheet data. Presenting information in the form of a chart is often one of the best ways to analyse data, as well as to call attention to specific entries.

When you create a chart, the order in which the data and the legend appears is the order in which the underlying data is entered.  You can, however, easily change this.

Here’s how:

1. Create the chart as normal. (F11, anyone?)
2. Right-click anywhere in the chart and click on Select Data. (Alternatively, click on the Select Data button in the Data group on the Chart Tools Design tab.)
3. If necessary, click on the Switch Row/Column button.
4. Under Legend Entries (Series) select the relevant entry and click on the Move Up or Move Down arrow (to the right of the Remove button).
5. Click OK.

The chart as well as its legend have been updated.

With thanks to Faith for this week’s tip inspiration.

Related tips

•   What to do if you need a chart in a hurry
•   F11 revisited
• Add additional data to an existing chart