How to Add More Gridlines in Excel – 2 Methods

Use the dataset below to insert a Column chart:

• Select the entire dataset.
• Go to the Insert tab.
• In Insert Column or Bar Chart >> select 2D Clustered Column chart.

The column chart is created.

• Change the Chart Title to Monthly Profit.

Horizontal gridlines were automatically created. To add more gridlines to the chart:

Method 1 – Using the Add Chart Elements Option to Add More Gridlines in Excel

Step 1: Adding More Gridlines

• Click the chart >> go to the Chart Design tab.
• In Chart Layouts >> click Add Chart Element.

• Click Gridlines.
• Select Primary Minor Horizontal.

The chart displays more horizontal gridlines:

To add Primary Minor Vertical gridlines:

• Click the chart >> go to the Chart Design tab.
• In Chart Layouts >> click Add Chart Element.
• Click Gridlines.
• Select Primary Minor Vertical.

You can see the added horizontal and vertical gridlines.

Step 2: Formatting the Gridlines

To format the horizontal major gridlines.

• Click one of the major gridlines, and all major gridlines will be selected.
• Right-click >> select Format Gridlines.

In the Format Major Gridlines dialog box:

• In Fill & Line >> select Line.
• Click Color to select a color. Here, Black.

This is the output.

To color the minor horizontal gridlines:

• Click one of the minor horizontal gridlines, and all minor horizontal gridlines will be selected.

In the Format Minor Gridlines dialog box:

• In Fill & Line >> select Line.
• Click Color to select a color. Here, Orange, Accent 2, and Lighter 40%.

This is the output.

To color the minor vertical gridlines:

• Click one of the minor vertical gridlines, and all minor vertical gridlines will be selected.

In the Format Minor Gridlines dialog box:

• In Fill & Line >> select Line.
• Click Color to select a color. Here, Light Green.

This is the output.

Method 2 – Using the Chart Elements Feature

• Click the chart >> select Chart Elements.
• Click the rightward arrow in Gridlines.

Primary Minor Horizontal and Primary Minor Vertical are unchecked.

• Check both Primary Minor Horizontal and Primary Minor Vertical.

The chart has more gridlines:

To format the gridlines:

• Follow Step 2 in Method 1.

This is the output.

Practice Section

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Related Article

• How to Add Gridlines for Specific Cells in Excel

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