How to Add Data to an Existing Chart in Excel (5 Easy Ways)

Method 1 – Add Data to an Existing Chart on Same Worksheet by Dragging

Let’s say we have got a dataset of sales for sales assistants who work at a shop over a certain period of time.

We have made a chart describing the sales of these representatives over the time period mentioned.

To add data to the existing chart by using this method, just follow the steps below:

First, add a new data series to your previous data set (i.e. sales of Stephen).

Then, click the chart area and you’ll see the data source which is currently displayed is selected on the worksheet presenting the sizing handles, but the new data series is not selected.

Now, drag the sizing handle to introduce the new data series and the chart will update.

Method 2 – Add Data to an Existing Chart on a Separate Worksheet

Let’s say, for the dataset below, we want to update the chart on a separate worksheet by adding a new data series.

First, right-click on the chart and click Select Data.

Now, a dialogue box will show up. Click Add on the Legend Entries (Series) box.

Then, go to the sheet containing the new data entries. Assign a new Series name (i.e. Stephen).

Again, assign the cells containing new data entries as the Series values.

The heading of the new data entries will show up on the Legend Entries box. Click OK on the dialogue box.

Finally, your existing chart will show the updated data.

Method 3 – Update Data to a Chart by Pasting New Entries

For our previous dataset, we will now show how to update an existing chart by just pasting the new data entries on the chart.

First, copy the new data entries of the dataset.

Now, just click outside on the chart and hit paste. Your chart will be updated.

Method 4 – Use Paste Special Option to Add Data to a Chart

For the same datasetwe will now learn to add data to the existing chart by using the paste special option.

First copy the new data entries and click on the chart.
Go to the Home tab > Paste > click Paste Special

After that, a dialogue box will show up displaying multiple options for you for full control of what is pasted.

Now, choose the option according to what you want and your updated chart will be ready.

Method 5 – Use Pivot Table to Add Data to an Existing Chart

For our same dataset, we’ll now show how to update the chart by using a pivot table.

Select the data range> go to the Home tab> click Format as Table.
Choose a design for the table.

Create Table dialogue box will show up. Mark if your table has headers. Click OK.

Now, your table will be created.

After that, go to the Insert tab> click Pivot Table> select From Table/Range.

Now, choose whether you want your pivot table on the same sheet or a different sheet.

Pivot Table Field will show up.

Drag your data range to the drag fields you want (i.e. drag Month to Rows)

Drag the other data ranges to the other drag field ( i.e. Mike & Adam to Values)

Go to the Pivot Table Analyze tab> Pivot Chart.

Create a chart (i.e. Clustered Column)

Your sheet will show the chart.

Here, drag your new data entries to the field (i.e. Stephen to Values).

Finally, your chart will show the added new data entries.

Download Practice Workbook

Add Data to an Existing Chart.xlsx

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