How to Add Data Series in Excel Chart (2 Easy Methods)

After inserting a chart, you may need to add another row or column to plot in the same Excel chart. Let’s use the following dataset to demonstrate adding a data series.

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How to Add a Data Series to a Chart in Excel: 2 Easy Methods

We’ll use a data set containing the profits for different regions of a company by month. We also inserted a column chart using the data set.

We can see that the West column data series was not included in the chart.

Method 1 – Dragging the Sizing Handle to Add the New Data Series

This method works if the new row or column is adjacent to the original dataset.

• Click on anywhere on the chart. You will see the existing data series highlighted.

• Bring the mouse cursor to the bottom right corner of the highlighted data series. You will get the sizing handle.
• Drag the sizing handle to the right to include the West column.

• The new data series will be added to the chart.

Method 2 – Using the Select Data Source Dialog Box

• Click anywhere on the chart. A context menu on the right side of the chart will appear.
• Click on Filter.
• From the menu that appears on the right side, click on the Select Data option at the bottom.

• From the Select Data Source dialogue box, click on the Add option.

• A new window named Edit Series will open up. Select the cell for Series name and the range for Series values.
• Click OK.

• The new data series will be added to the chart.

How to Edit a Data Series of a Chart in Excel

• Open the Select Data Source dialog box (see Method 2).
• You will see the list containing all the data series. Select any data series that you want to edit and click on the Edit option.

• A new window named Edit Series will open up. Select the series name and the range for the series values.
• Click OK.

• In the Select Data Source dialog box, click OK.

• The edited data series will be saved and the edited chart will be displayed.

Alternative Way for Editing Data Series

• Click on any column of the series that we want to edit in the chart. We selected the East Column.
• The formula of that data series will be displayed in the formula box.

• Here is the displayed formula:

In the formula, there are four arguments. The 1st argument takes the range for the series name, the 2nd argument takes X-axis values, the 3rd argument takes the Y-axis value and the 4th argument takes the position of the data series in the chart.

• By editing the range in the formula, we can directly change the data series:

Things to Remember

• The first method only works when the new data series is adjacent to the original series.
• In the second method, you can also open the Select Data Source dialogue box from the Chart Design tab on the ribbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is a data series in Excel?

In Excel, a “data series” refers to a set of related data points that are plotted in a chart. Each data series is represented on the chart by a unique set of data points, and they all share a common property.

How do I create a data series in Excel?

You can only add a data series to a chart. See the instructions above.

What is an example of a data series?

A data series can be a row or a column containing data points of the same category or pattern.

Excel Chart Data: Knowledge Hub

• How to Rename Series in Excel
• How to Hide Chart Series with No Data in Excel
• How to Change Series Color in Excel Chart

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