[Fixed!] Excel Chart Data Labels Overlap (3 Possible Solutions)

Get FREE Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions!

When we work in Excel, sometimes we create Charts that can have data labels. If the size of the data is large then there’s a chance that the data labels will overlap. It creates hazards in visualization. In this article, I will show 3 possible solutions when Excel chart data labels overlap.


Chart Data Labels Overlap in Excel: 3 Possible Solutions

Chart data overlap can be fixed in various ways. Here, I will show 3 possible solutions to fix the data labels of chart in Excel. For demonstration, I have included a dataset having month, Bill 1 and Bill 2. And I have included a chart from the data table.

excel chart data labels overlap


1. Swap Axis Labels Position When Chart Labels Overlap in Excel

if we have a dataset having negative and positive numbers, then the axis labels cause visual problems for the data labels. We can easily fix it by swapping the axis label below the bars. Let’s follow the stepwise procedures given below.

Swap Axis Labels Position When Chart Labels Overlap in Excel

  • First, select the X–axis from the chart and right-click on it.
  • After that, select Format Axis from the options.

  • Then, select Axis Options and find Labels.
  • Moreover, select Low in Specify Interval Unit box.

  • Finally, we will see the axis moved to the bottom of the chart bars and we can see the data labels clearly now.

excel chart data labels overlap result

Read More: How to Move Data Labels In Excel Chart


2. Adjust Space Between Bars When Chart Data Labels Overlap

We can adjust the space between bars to show data labels clearly in the Excel chart. For demonstration, I have used a dataset having Salesperson, Actual Sales and Target Sales.

Adjust Space Between Bars When Chart Data Labels Overlap

Also, I have made a chart with the data whose data labels overlapped.

Let’s walk through the stepwise procedures.

  • First, select the chart and right-click on it.
  • Afterward, choose Format Data Series from the list.

  • Then, from Format Data Series pane select Series Options.
  • Further, adjust Series Overlap to -100% and adjust Gap Width such that the data labels in the chart don’t overlap.

  • Finally, we will see the data labels aren’t overlapping anymore.

excel chart data labels overlap result

Read More: How to Edit Data Labels in Excel


3. Change Data Labels Alignment to Fix Data Labels Overlapping

We can fix the data labels overlapping in another way. We can change the data labels alignment to fix the overlapping. I am showing the stepwise procedures in the following.

  • Firstly, select any of the data labels and right–click on it.
  • Next, choose Format Data Labels from the menu.

  • Afterward, select Size & Properties and find Alignment.
  • Further, select Rotate All Text 270° from Text Direction box.

  • Finally, we will see all the data labels aligned vertically and there’s no overlapping.

excel chart data labels overlap result

Read More: How to Rotate Data Labels in Excel


How to Move Chart Data Labels in Excel

If we add data labels to bar chart, the labels remain on the top of the bar by default. But we can shift it easily. In this section, I will discuss the stepwise procedures to move chart data labels in Excel. Suppose we have a bar chart from the dataset of Method 2. We will change the positions of the data labels.

How to Move Chart Data Labels in Excel

  • Firstly, select any of the data labels and right–click on it.
  • Then, select Format Data Labels from the options.

  • Afterward, a Formal Data Labels pane will appear.
  • Further, click on Label Options.
  • Furthermore,  find Label Options and select Center from Label Position.

  • Finally, we will see the data labels moved to the center.
  • Also, we can shift the labels to other available positions.

Read More: How to Add Outside End Data Labels in Excel


Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here.


Conclusion

Data labels help to visualize and analyze the chart in Excel. If the data labels overlap, it creates problems in visualization. Here, I have discussed 3 possible solutions to fix the data label overlapping in Excel Chart.


Related Articles


<< Go Back To Data Labels in Excel | Excel Chart Elements | Excel Charts | Learn Excel

What is ExcelDemy?

ExcelDemy - Learn Excel & Get Excel Solutions Center provides online Excel training , Excel consultancy services , free Excel tutorials, free support , and free Excel Templates for Excel professionals and businesses. Feel free to contact us with your Excel problems.
Mehedi Hasan Shimul
Mehedi Hasan Shimul

Md. Mehedi Hasan, with a BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, holds a crucial position as an Excel & VBA Content Developer at ExcelDemy. Driven by a deep passion for research and innovation, he actively immerses himself in Excel. In his role, Mehedi not only skillfully addresses complex challenges but also exhibits enthusiasm and expertise in gracefully navigating tough situations, emphasizing his steadfast commitment to consistently deliver exceptional and quality content.... Read Full Bio

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions PDF

 

 

ExcelDemy
Logo