How to Show Coordinates in Excel Graph (2 Easy Ways)

Suppose you have a dataset and you want to highlight and show the coordinates in an Excel graph. In this tutorial, we’ll plot XY scatter chart and line chart. After that, we will show the coordinates in an Excel graph. Showing coordinates in an Excel graph is an easy and time-saving task. If you don’t know how to show coordinates in an Excel graph, we think this article will help you in that case. So let’s get started.

How to Plot a Graph in Excel

First of all, you need to plot a graph in Excel. Then you will be able to show the coordinates in that graph. It is possible that some of us may not be able to plot a graph in Excel. Luckily, we will show you the steps to be followed to plot a graph in Excel here. Here we use a month-wise net profit of a company. Here we have used Microsoft 365 version, you can use any other version.

Now follow the steps to plot a graph with the dataset.

📌 Steps:

• First of all, select the entire range of your dataset, then go to Insert tab >> pick Insert Line or Area Chart under the Charts option.
• Here you can see different kinds of graph models available. Here we use a line model from 2-D Line.

• Finally, a graph will be plotted according to your dataset. You can change the graph appearance through Format Data Series.

Why Showing Coordinates in Excel Graph Is Necessary?

Basically, coordinates are the numbers or data corresponding to the X-axis and Y-axis to show a particular point. A point having X-values and Y-values can be shown in a graph declaring their coordinates. Mainly, the coordinates are important because they help you to understand the position of a particular point in your graph. Let’s say, you have an air density vs temperature graph of a territory. Now, you want to display coordinates for better visualization. In this case, showing coordinates would be helpful undoubtedly.

How to Show Coordinates in Excel Graph: 2 Easy Ways

In this section, we discuss 2 easy and handy ways to show coordinates in an Excel graph. By following this method, you will be able to show the coordinates in an Excel graph.

1. Using Format Data Label Option

The Format Data Label option is useful for displaying and modifying data points in an Excel chart.  In this method, we’re going to add serial numbers to the existing dataset for displaying coordinates. Using serial numbers can help you to understand the coordinates and also make your graph appearance good. As a result, you can easily make a presentation slide with that graph. Here in our dataset, we need to enter the serial number in our graph. The steps we followed are stated below.

📌 Steps:

• First of all, plot the graph and show the Data Labels.
• Then right-click on any data and go to Format Data Label.

• A dialog box will pop up, there you need to select the entire range you want to show. Here we select the range of $B$5:$B$12.
• Press OK.

• After selecting that series, a new sidebar named Format Data Labels will appear. Check the Values From Cells and uncheck the Value under Label Options.

• Thus your serial numbers will take place above your data point. We have added our results here for your better realization.

Now, you can easily identify the corresponding coordinates using the serial numbers from the graph.

Read More: How to Superscript Text in Excel Graph

2. Utilizing Error Bars to Show Coordinates in Excel Graph

The Error Bars is an option under the Chart Design. Mainly, Error Bars show you the error in the graph. It is a T-shaped bar that represents the uncertainty for the corresponding coordinates. Error Bars can show the coordinates of an Excel graph. The steps we have described below that you have to follow to do that.

📌 Steps:

• Initially, select the chart then go to Chart Design >> under Chart Elements. You need to move to Error Bars.

• Under the Error Bars section, go to Percentage.

• A dialog window named Format Error Bars will appear. Then select Minus. That will create a left-sided line from your data point. Then make the Percentage 100. It will create a line connected to Y-axis.

• After that, right-click on any point of the graph and select Format Error Bars.

• A window will appear just like before and then you have to select Minus and make the Percentage 100.

• You can show the (x,y) value by Format Data Label. Check the X Value and Y Value. It will help you to show the X-axis value and the Y-axis value.

• Finally, your coordinates for the corresponding data point will be displayed and you can format the color and outlook of the line to make them attractive.

Read More: How to Add Subscript in Excel Graph

How to Show Coordinates for Secondary Axis in Excel Graph

Whenever we use associated data along our main dataset, we need to show the Secondary Axis. It is a vertical axis that shows the data of your associated dataset. We need to show the coordinates of the secondary axis. Here we have encountered a dataset of Month-wise Net Profit Per Unit Sales. We want to show the secondary axis for Sales Per Unit. Follow the steps to do that.

📌 Steps:

• Firstly, plot a graph with the dataset. Then select any of the data points and go to Format Data Series.

• Under the Format Data Series, select Secondary Axis.

• A secondary axis will appear, and you can easily format the graph according to your preference.

• Here we have shown the coordinates for our secondary axis for their corresponding values.

After adding (x,y) values, you’ll get the following output. Also, you can apply the first method to display coordinates using serial numbers.

Read More: How to Change Text Direction in Excel Chart 

Practice Section

We have provided a practice section on each sheet on the right side for your practice. Please do it by yourself.

Download Practice Workbook

Download the following practice workbook. It will help you to realize the topic more clearly.

Conclusion

That’s all about today’s session. And these are some easy steps to show coordinates in Excel. Please let us know in the comments section if you have any questions or suggestions. For a better understanding please download the practice sheet. Thanks for your patience in reading this article.

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