How to Add Data Labels in Excel (2 Handy Ways)

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By using various features in Excel, we can represent data graphically. Also, we can show statistical data in columns, bars, or pie charts. These methods help us analyze data quickly. In this article, we will show you how to add data labels in Excel.


Watch Video – Adding Data Labels in Excel


How to Add Data Labels in Excel: 2 Handy Ways

In Excel, graphs or charts help to visualize the data. But, if the data labels are not present in those graphs, then it becomes difficult to understand or analyze. In this article, we will show you two handy ways to add data labels in Excel. In the first approach, we will insert the Chart Elements command to add data labels in Excel, and in the second method, we will use Visual Basic Applications (VBA) for the same purpose. You can see a sample data set below that we will use for both methods.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

Read More: What Are Data Labels in Excel


1. Inserting Chart Elements Command to Add Data Labels in Excel

In our first approach, we will insert the Chart Elements command to add data labels. See the full procedure below to understand.

Step 1:

  • Firstly, select your entire data set to create a chart or graph.
  • The cell range is B4:D10 in our example.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

Step 2:

  • Secondly, we will create a 2D clustered column chart.
  • For that, first of all, go to the Insert tab of the ribbon.
  • Then, choose the Insert Column or Bar Chart command from the Chart group.
  • Lastly, select the Clustered Column command.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

Step 3:

  • After selecting, you will be able to create the chart.
  • Then, name the chart “Height vs. Weight” for example.
  • You will notice that there are no data labels in the chart.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

Step 4:

  • Fourthly, we will add the data labels to our chart.
  • For that, click on the chart and you will see three icons right beside the chart.
  • Of the three icons, the first one is the Chart Elements command.
  • Click on that command and you will see some more commands regarding the chart.
  • From those options, mark the Data Labels command which was previously unmarked.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

  • Finally, after marking the command, you will see all the data labels above the columns accordingly.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

Step 5:

  • Furthermore, if you want to add the data labels in another way, then select any column of the same variable and then right-click on it.
  • For example, we will right-click on the column that represents Height.
  • Then, select the Add Data Labels command.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

  • Finally, you will see the data labels for the columns that represent Height.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

Step 6:

  • Furthermore, repeat the same process from Step 5 by selecting any column that represents the weight of the person.
  • Consequently, you will see the data labels after repeating the process.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

Read More: How to Add Additional Data Labels to Excel Chart


2. Applying VBA to Add Data Labels in Excel

There is another way besides the first method to add data labels in Excel. That is applying Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). You can follow the following steps for this method.

Step 1:

  • Firstly, we will use the following data set for our procedure.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

Step 2:

  • Secondly, we will create a 2D clustered column chart by using the above data set.
  • For this, we will repeat Step 1 to Step 2 from the previous method to get our chart.
  • Then, we will name the chart “Height vs. Weight”.

Handy Ways to Add Data Labels in Excel

Step 3:

  • Thirdly, choose the Visual Basic command from the Code in the Developer tab of the ribbon.

Sample Data Set

Step 4:

  • Fourthly, a new tab will open after choosing this command.
  • From the new tab, choose Module from the Insert tab.

Sample Data Set

Step 5:

  • Then, into the Module paste the following VBA Code which will add data labels after running the program.
Sub Add_Data_Labels()
Dim ch As ChartObject
Set ch = ActiveSheet.ChartObjects("Chart 1")
ch.Chart.SetElement (msoElementDataLabelOutSideEnd)
End Sub

VBA Code for adding Data Label

  • After that, save the program in the module and press the play button to run the code.

Running VBA Code

Step 6:

  • Finally, you will be able to add data labels to the chart with the help of VBA.

Sample Data Set

How Does the Code Work?

  • Set ch = ActiveSheet.ChartObjects("Chart 1")

This line of code assigns the chart to the chart type variable ch on which we want to add data label (Chart 1 in my case).

  • ch.Chart.SetElement (msoElementDataLabelOutSideEnd)

This line of code adds data labels with Outside End orientation to the chart. There are more orientations that we can use such as Inside End, Inside Base, Data Callout etc. For using any of those, we need to use their corresponding property in SetElemet.

Read More: How to Format Data Labels in Excel


Download Practice Workbook

You can download the free Excel workbook from here and practice on your own.


Conclusion

That’s the end of this article. I hope you find this article helpful. After reading this article, you will be able to add data labels in Excel by using any of the methods. Please share any further queries or recommendations with us in the comments section below.


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Md. Araf Bin Jayed
Md. Araf Bin Jayed

I am Araf. I have completed my B.Sc in Industrial and Production Engineering from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology. Currently I am working as an Excel & VBA Content Developer in Softeko. With proper guideline and aid of Softeko I want to be a flexible data analyst. With my acquired knowledge and hard work, I want to contribute to the overall growth of this organization.

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