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When we use a data table to create a chart in Excel, Legend titles are created spontaneously from the value present in the top cells of the row or column in the data table. In many cases, we need to change the legend title. In this article, we will describe to you 2 easy and quick methods of how to change the legend title in Excel. In this article, we used Microsoft Office 365. You can use any available Excel version.
What Is Legend Title in Excel?
The legend title of a chart in Excel represents which data is displayed on the Y-axis (also known as Series). It usually appears on the bottom or right side of the chart. By default, legend titles are of the same color as the Series values they represent. Its main purpose is to show the name and color of each data series. It prevents any confusion when readers analyze a chart or graph.
Let’s have a look at the following Column Chart based on this simple dataset. Here, we have used the Total Cost and Profit values as Y-axis (i.e. Series) values. But it is unclear from the chart.
Therefore, we enabled the Legend option from Chart Elements. Now, we have the following legend titles in our chart. As the legend titles are of the same color as the corresponding Series values, we can easily understand which column represents which data.
However, sometimes the generic legend titles do not provide enough context about the data being presented. Hence, we may require changing the legend titles to increase the chart’s clarity and have a better understanding of the data. In such cases, we can use the following two easy methods to change the legend title of any chart.
Editing Main Data Table to Change Legend Title in Excel
In this method, we will edit or change the data in the top cell of a row or column of a data table to change the legend title. We know that when we create a chart from a data table, the default legend title comes from the top cell of a column or row of that data table.
Therefore, if we edit or change the data of the top cell of the row or column of the data table, it will automatically change the legend title.
In the following picture, we can see a dataset and a column chart. In the chart, we can see the legend title.
- Afterward, to check that the legend comes from the top cell column of the dataset, we have to click on the chart.
As a result, you can see that cells C4 and D4 have been used as legend titles in the chart. These are the top cell of the column of the data table.
Next, in the chart, we want to change the legend title of Total Cost to Monthly Cost. here, Total Cost is present in cell C4, therefore, we will type our new legend title in cell C4.
To do so, we will follow the following simple steps.
- First, we will type a new legend title in cell C4.
Here, we typed Monthly Cost in cell C4.
- After that, press ENTER.
As a result, you can see the legend title Monthly Cost in place of Total Cost.
Read More: How to Add a Title to a Table in Excel (with Simple Steps)
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Using Select Data Option to Change Legend Title in Excel
In this method, we will use the Select Data option to change the legend title in Excel. This method needs no edit or change in the data table, rather it simply changes the legend title. Therefore, if you do not want to edit or change the data table after creating a chart, this method is helpful.
Here, in the following picture, you can see a column chart that has been created from the data table. The chart contains legend titles. We want to change the legend title Total Cost to Monthly Cost.
To change the legend title from Total Cost to Monthly Cost, we will go through the following simple steps.
- First of all, click on the chart >> go to the Chart Design tab.
- After that, select the Select Data option to bring out a Select Data Source dialog box.
Here, you can also right-click on the chart and from Context Menu select the Select Data option to bring out the Select Data Source dialog box.
A Select Data Source dialog box will appear.
- After that, you can easily notice that two legends titled Total Cost and Profit are present under the Legend Entries (Series) group.
Here, we want to change the Total Cost legend.
- After that, select the Total Cost legend.
- Along with that, click on the Edit option.
Next, an Edit Series dialog box will appear.
Here, you can see cell C4 is selected in the Series Name box.
- Afterward, we will type Monthly Cost in the Series Name box.
- At this point, click OK.
Then, the Select Data Source will appear again.
Next, under the Legend Entries (Series), you can notice that the Total Cost has changed to Monthly Cost.
- Moreover, click OK.
As a result, you can see in the chart, the legend title Monthly Cost in the place of Total Cost.
Read More: How to Title a Column in Excel (5 Easy Methods)
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Conclusion
Here, we tried to show you 2 methods to change legend title in Excel. Thank you for reading this article, we hope this was helpful. If you have any queries or suggestions, please let us know in the comment section below. Please visit our website Exceldemy to explore more.
