Adding and Deleting a Data Series

Many components make up a chart. Each range of data that comprises a bar, column, or pie slice is called a data series ; each value in a data series is called a data point . The data series is defined when you select a range on a worksheet and then open the Chart Wizard. But what if you want to add a data series once a chart is complete? Using Excel, you can add a data series by using the mouse, the Chart menu, or the Chart Wizard. As you create and modify more charts , you might also find it necessary to delete or change the order of one or more data series. You can delete a data series without re-creating the chart.

Add a Data Series Quickly

Select the range that contains the data series you want to add to your chart.

Drag the range into the existing chart.

Release the mouse button to display the chart with the added data series.

Delete a Data Series

Select the chart that contains the data series you want to delete.

Click any data point in the data series to select the series in the chart and the worksheet.

To delete one data point but keep the rest of the series in the chart, click the data point twice.

Press Delete.

Change a Data Series

Select the chart that contains the data series you want to change.

Click the Chart menu, and then click Source Data.

Click the Series tab.

Click the series name you want to change.

Click the Name or Values Collapse Dialog button to change the name or value, make the change, and then click the Expand Dialog button.

Click OK.

Change Data Series Order

Select the chart and the data series you want to change.

Click the Format menu, and then click Selected Data Series.

Click the Series Order tab.

Click the series you want to reorder.

Click Move Up or Move Down.

Click OK.

Did You Know?

You can add a trendline . A trendline helps you analyze problems of prediction. Select the chart to which you want to add a trendline, click the Chart menu, click Add Trendline, select a trend type, select a series, and then click OK.