How to Select Data for a Chart in Excel – 2 Methods

This sample dataset showcases the Monthly Sales of a company in Different Regions.

Method 1 – Using the Select Data Source Feature to Select Data for a Chart in Excel

Step 1:

• Create a chart by selecting cells from the table. Here, B4:D10.
• In Insert, click Recommended Charts.

• In the Insert Chart window, go to All Charts > Column > Clustered Column.
• Click OK.

• The chart displays the selected values.

Step 2:

• To add data to the chart, select the chart and right-click.
• Choose Select Data.

• In the Select Data Source window, choose Add.

• Place the cursor over Series name and click E4 (Sales in North Region).
• In Series values select sales data from the worksheet.
• Click OK.

• Sales in North Region will be added to the chart.

• Follow the same steps to add sales value for Sales in South Region.
• Click OK.

• This is the output.

Step 3:

To change the chart style by switching data to a different position:

• Select the chart and right-click.
• Choose Select Data.

• In Select Data Source, click Switch Row/Column.
• Click OK.

• This is the output.

Read More: How to Expand Chart Data Range in Excel

Method 2 – Drag the Fill Handle to Select Data for a Chart

2.1. Adjacent Data

Create a chart by selecting data from the table.

Steps:

• Select B4:D10.
• In Insert, choose Chart.

• Select a 2-D column from the drop-down menu.

• The chart displays Sales in East Region and Sales in West Region.

Step 2:

• To select additional data for the chart, drag the “fill handle” in the data table.

• All data will be selected from the dataset and displayed in the chart.

• This is the output (applicable to adjacent cells).

2.2 Non-Adjacent Data

Steps:

• Select B4:C10 from the table.
• Press and hold Ctrl to choose the data you want to include in the chart. Here, E4:E10.

• In Insert, choose a 2-D column.

• The chart containing non-adjacent data from the table is displayed.

Read More: Selecting Data in Different Columns for an Excel Chart

Things to Remember

• Chart Design on the ribbon can also be used to format the chart.

Download Practice Workbook

Download this practice workbook to exercise.

Related Articles

• Selecting Data in Different Columns for an Excel Chart

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