How to Add, Customize & Remove Label to Axis in Excel?

Label axis in Excel is used to explain a chart easily. In this Excel tutorial, you will learn:
-How to Add axis title label in Excel chart
-Change the axis title label
-Change axis value label
-Remove axis title label in Excel chart

We have used Microsoft 365 to create this article. However, it is applicable to Office 2013 and subsequent versions.

It is necessary to label axis in Excel chart to provide clarity by identifying the data on each axis. Axis labels give context to the presented information in the chart. They improve readability and enhance understanding of Excel charts.

Labeling axes in Excel allows businesses to track their performance and identify trends or patterns. It is also beneficial for analyzing survey responses.

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What Do You Mean by Label Axis in Excel?

Users need to have a concept of two individual terms when they need to label axis in Excel.

• Label Axis Value.
• Label Axis Title.

Label Axis Value means adding descriptive text to the horizontal (x) and vertical (y) axes of a chart or graph. These labels help provide context and understanding of the presented data.

Labeling the horizontal axis (x-axis) typically involves adding text that represents the categories or data points being displayed. For example, if you’re creating a bar chart to show sales data for different months, the x-axis labels would be the names of the months (January, February, etc.).

Labeling the vertical axis (y-axis) involves adding text that indicates the values or measurements. In the case of the sales data mentioned earlier, the y-axis labels would show the monetary values of sales (e.g., $0, $100, $200, etc.).

On the other hand, Label Axis Title means labeling just the title of the axes of the chart.

How Many Ways Available to Add Axis Title Label in Excel Chart?

There are two methods available to add an axis title label in a chart in Excel.

• Using the Chart Element button.
• Using the Add Chart Element option.

1. How to Use Chart Elements Button to Add Axis Title Label?

• Click on the chart > click on the plus icon in the top-right corner to avail Chart Elements option.
• Put a checkmark on the Axis Titles option.

This will add titles to the chart axes.

Click here to see the full image

2. How to Use Add Chart Element Feature to Insert Axis Title Label?

As soon as you create a chart, Excel shows the Chart Design tab in the ribbon. This tab provides an Add Chart Element option from which you can add an axis title label.

• Click on the chart area to make the Chart Design tab visible > go to the Chart Design tab.
• Here, click the dropdown of the Add Chart Element feature > click Add Titles > select Primary Horizontal.

This will insert a horizontal axis.

• On the other hand, selecting the Primary Vertical option will insert the vertical axis.

How to Change Axis Title Label in Excel Chart?

• Double-click on the axis title and type the new title that you want to apply.

Click here to see the full image

You can also format the axis title (change the font and make it bold etc.).

How Many Ways to Change Axis Value Label in Excel Chart?

You can change the axis value label in Excel chart in two ways.

• Changing the original source data.
• Using the Select Data option without changing the source data.

1. How to Change Axis Value Label by Changing Data?

When you change the original data, the axis value also changes with it.

• The axis label represents individual data points or categories along the axis.

• Change the source data and you will find that Excel has changed the corresponding label of the axis value.

2. How to Use Select Data Option to Change Axis Value Label?

We can use the Select Data option to change the Axis value by modifying the Axis label range.

• Right-click on the axis label > choose the Select Data option from the context menu.

• The Select Data Source dialog box will appear on the window.
• Click Edit on the Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels.

• In the Axis Labels dialog box, enter the new Axis label range separated with commas that you want to show as labels.
• Then click OK.

• Close the Select Data Source dialog box by clicking OK.

• Hence the chart will change the label entries.

Read More: Change Axis Titles

How to Remove Axis Title Label in Excel Chart?

You can remove the Axis Title Label in an Excel chart by using the Chart Elements button.

• Tap on the Chart Elements button and uncheck the Axis Titles option.

Click here to see the full image

• This will remove both horizontal and vertical axis titles.

Click here to see the full image

What Things You Have to Keep in Mind?

• Ensure that the axis label is clear and descriptive.
• Use concise and meaningful labels to avoid confusion.
• If the axis involves units (e.g., currency, percentages, time), include the appropriate unit symbol or abbreviation to provide context to the data.
• Choose the right orientation for your labels. Horizontal labels are common for the x-axis.
• Ensure that the axis scaling is appropriate for the displayed data.
• The Add Chart Element option is available from Excel 2010 and later on.

Conclusion

Adding label to axis in Excel is essential for effective data visualization. Users can edit, customize and remove the label of the axis on demand basis.

Clear and descriptive axis labels enhance readability by providing contexts. The ability to compare data across different categories or time periods becomes easier with well-labeled axes. Excel charts become visually attractive with the proper application of axis label(s) in Excel.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I center data labels in Excel?

Ans: Center Data Labels means to place the value of labels in the middle position of each segment of data in a chart.

• Select the chart.
• Click the Chart Elements button.
• Click on the drop-right arrow of Data Labels labels > select Center to place the value of data labels in the middle position of each segment in the chart.

Click here to see the full image

2. What is axis scale?

Ans: Axis scale refers to the range and units used to represent data on a graph or chart’s axis. It determines how data points are spaced and displayed along the axis.

3. Why label the axes?

Ans: Labeling the axes in a chart or graph is crucial for providing context, clarity, and understanding of the data being presented. It helps viewers quickly interpret the information by indicating what the data on each axis represents—such as categories or values. Properly labeled axes make it easier for audiences to get informed conclusions from the visualized data.

Label Axis in Excel: Knowledge Hub

• Add X and Y Axis Labels
• Change Axis Labels in Excel
• Add Axis Titles in Excel
• Ignore Blank Axis Labels

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