How to Add Data Markers in Excel (2 Easy Examples)

We can add data markers for visualizing and highlighting key information in our dataset. If you are curious to learn how to add data markers in Excel, this article may come in handy. In this article, we are going to discuss, how to add data markers in Line and Scatter Charts. In addition, we’ll also discuss how to change, customize and apply different data markers.

Add Data Markers in Excel: 2 Examples

Firstly, let’s dwell a little upon what is a data marker?
In a nutshell, a data marker represents a specific point in a chart. For instance, in a line chart, every point on the line is a data marker that represents the data value at that point. Hence, without further delay, let’s see the examples one by one.
We have used Microsoft Excel 365 version here, you can use any other versions according to your convenience.

Example-1: Adding Data Markers in a Line Chart

Let’s say we have the following dataset shown in the B4:D13 cells below. Now, the dataset shows the Month number, the Marketing Expense, and the Revenue in USD respectively.

Steps:

Initially, select the C4:D13 cells >> now, go to the Insert tab >> click the Insert Line or Area Chart dropdown.

Now, choose the Line with Markers option.

Next, you can format the chart using the Chart Elements option.

In addition to the default selection, you can enable the Axes Title to provide axes names. Here, it is the Month and US Dollar.
Now, add the Chart Title, for example, Breakdown of Revenue and Marketing Expense by Month.
Further, insert the Legend option to show the two series.
Lastly, you can disable the Gridlines option to give your chart a clean look.

This should generate the chart as shown in the picture below.

Following this, right-click on any of the circular markers >> move to the Format Data Series option.

In turn, choose the Marker Options >> now, check the Built-in option >> lastly, select the Type of marker (here, it is a Rectangular marker).

Just like that, you’ve added data markers in your chart, it’s that easy!

Example-2: Adding Data Markers in a Scatter Plot

Considering the Population Growth of UK and Germany dataset shown in the B4:D12 cells. Here, the dataset shows each decade starting from the Year 1950 and the Populations of the UK and Germany in Millions.

Step-01: Adding a Scatter Plot

Firstly, select the B4:C12 cells >> go to the Insert tab >> click the Insert Scatter (X,Y) or Bubble Chart dropdown >> choose the Scatter option.

Now, you can edit the chart using the Chart Elements option.

In addition to the default selection, you can enable the Axes Title to provide axes names. Here, it is the Year and Population in Millions.
Further, insert the Legend option to show the series.
Lastly, you may disable the Gridlines option.

Eventually, the result should appear as the picture shown below.

Step-02: Adding a Second Series

Secondly, select the chart and right-click to go the Select Data option.

Then, click the Add button to add the new series to the chart.

This opens the Edit Series dialog box.

Next, enter the Series Name (here it is Germany’s Population)
Following this, enter the Series X values, for example, the Years.
Then, enter the Series Y values, for instance, Germany’s Population.
Lastly, press the OK button.

After completing the steps, the results should look like the screenshot given below.

Step-03: Adding Data Markers

Thirdly, right-click on a single data marker >> go to the Format Data Series option.

Next, in the Marker section, click the Marker Options >> now, check the Built-in option >> lastly, select the Type of marker (here, it is a Diamond marker).

Eventually, you should the results as shown in the image below.

How to Change Data Markers

If you want, you can change the data markers to other shapes according to your preference. So, let’s see it in action.

Steps:

To begin with, select the chart >> right-click on the mouse and choose the Format Data Series option.

In a similar fashion, go to the Marker Options and choose the Built-in option.
Next, from the Type drop-down, select the shapes for your data marker.

Finally, the output should look like the screenshot shown below.

How to Make a Custom Data Marker

What if you want to make a custom data marker? Don’t worry just yet! In this section, we’ll discuss how to make a custom data marker. It’s simple & easy, just follow along.
Assuming the dataset shown in the B4:C12 cells below. Here, we have the Year column starting from 1950 and the Population in Millions respectively.

Step-01: Add Line Chart

At the very beginning, select the C4:C12 cells >> next, go to the Insert tab >> click the Insert Line or Area Chart dropdown.

Then, choose the Line with Markers option.

In the next step, you may format the chart with the Chart Elements option in order to obtain the picture below.

Step-02: Insert Shapes

Secondly, move to the Insert tab >> select the Shapes drop-down >> from this list, and choose any shape you like, for example, we’ve chosen the Star.

Next, insert this shape and press the CTRL + C key to copy it.

In the adjacent cell, right-click on the mouse >> go to the Paste Options >> select the Paste as Picture option.

This produces an identical copy of the shape as a picture.

Step-03: Use Picture as Data Marker

Thirdly, copy the picture (in this case the second Star) using the CTRL + C key.
Afterward, go to the Format Data Series window >> in the Marker section, choose the Fill option >> next, click the Picture or texture fill button >> finally, press Clipboard.

Next, in the Border section, select the No line option.

That’s it you’ve placed your custom data marker. It’s that simple!

How to Add Different Data Markers in an Excel Chart

You can also add different data markers to your chart if you so desire. So, let’s go through the steps.

Steps:

Firstly, select the chart >> right-click on the mouse and move to the Format Data Points option.

Secondly, navigate to the Marker Options and choose the Built-in option.
Next, from the Type drop-down, select the shapes for your data marker.