How to Change Axis Labels in Excel (3 Easy Methods)

Method 1 – Change Axis Label by Changing Data

Suppose we have a dataset of the sales and profit of various salesmen for a certain period of time.

We have generated a chart from this dataset. For simplicity sake we’ve created a clustered column chart, but the same process can be applied to other chart types.

Let’s change the axis labels.

STEPS:

Click the cell in the worksheet where you want to change the label.

Type the label into the cell and press ENTER.

Repeat the same for each cell and the labels on the graph will change accordingly.

Read More: How to Change Axis Titles in Excel

Method 2 – Change Axis Label Without Changing Data

Here is our data and chart:

STEPS:

Right-click the Category label and click Select Data.

A Select Data Source dialog box opens.

Click Edit from the Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels list.

Enter the new labels separated with commas in the Axis Labels dialog box that opens..
Click OK.

Our new labels are assigned. We’ve used numbers here, but you can use text if you prefer.

Click OK in the dialog box.

Your axis labels will be changed.

Method 3 – Change Axis Labels by Changing Source

To change the label of the vertical axis:

STEPS:

Right-click the category label and click Select Data.

The Select Data Source dialog box opens.

Click Edit under Legend Entries (Series).

The Edit Series pop-up window will appear.

Change the Series name to the cell you want.

Assign the Series values.

Press OK in the dialog box.

Your axis label will be changed.

To change the label of the Horizontal axis:

STEPS:

Right-click the category label and click Select Data.
In the Select Data Source box that opens, click Edit from the Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels list.