If you want to sort data in an Excel chart, you have come to the right place. Here, we will walk you through 5 easy methods to do the task smoothly.
In the following dataset, you can see the Product and Sales columns. Furthermore, using this dataset, we will insert e Bar chart.
Let us show you how we insert a Bar chart using the above dataset.
- First of all, we select the entire dataset >> go to the Insert tab.
- Afterward, from the Insert Column or Bar Chart group >> we select a 2D Clustered Bar chart.
Therefore, you can see the Bar chart.
After that, we will go through 5 easy methods to sort data in an Excel chart. Here, we used Microsoft Excel 365. You can use any available Excel version.
1. Using Sort Feature to Sort Data in Excel Chart
In this method, we will use the Sort feature to sort data in Excel. In this method, we will sort the chart data, and the chart will be sorted automatically. Here, we will sort data from Smallest to Largest order.
Steps:
- First, we insert a Bar chart by following the Steps described earlier.
Hence, you can see the Bar chart.
- After that, we will select cells B4:C9 >> go to the Data tab.
- Then, from the Sort & Filter group >> select the Sort option.
At this point, a Sort dialog box will appear.
- Moreover, we will click on the downward arrow of the Order box >> select Smallest to Largest.
This will sort the data from smallest to largest order.
- Then, click OK.
As a result, you can see the dataset has been sorted, and therefore, the Bar chart has also been sorted.
Read More: How to Edit Chart Data in Excel (5 Suitable Examples)
2. Using Format Axis Feature in Excel
In this method, we will use the Format Axis feature to sort data in an Excel chart. This method is helpful to sort the chart without sorting the data table.
Steps:
- In the beginning, we insert a Bar chart by following the Steps described earlier.
Therefore, you can see the Bar chart.
- After that, we select the Y axis of the Bar chart >> right-click on the selected axis.
Afterward, select Format Axis from the Context Menu.
At this point, a Format Axis dialog box will appear on the right side of the Excel sheet.
- Then, we will mark the Categories in reverse order box.
Therefore, you can see the sorted chart in Excel. Here, you can easily notice that the data table of the chart remains the same.
Read More: How to Format Data Series in Excel (with Easy Steps)
3. Sorting Data Table to Sort Chart Data
In this method, we will insert a Table and then we will insert a Bar chart. After that, we will sort data in an Excel chart using Table. This method is helpful for sorting data quickly. And here, we will show you how to sort data from largest to smallest order.
Let’s go through the following steps to do the task.
Step-1: Inserting Table
In this step, we will insert a Table.
- To do so, we will select the dataset from cells B4:C9 >> go to the Insert tab.
- After that, from the Tables group >> select Table.
At this point, a Create Table dialog box will appear.
- Then, make sure My table has headers is marked >> click OK.
Therefore, you can see the Table.
Step-2: Sorting Data
In this step, we will insert a Bar chart, and then, we will sort data in an Excel chart.
- First of all, we insert a Bar chart using the Steps described earlier.
Therefore, you can see the Bar chart.
- After that, we will click on the drop-down arrow of the Sales column.
- Then, we will select the Sort Largest to Smallest option.
This will sort the Table and the chart from largest to smallest order.
Therefore, you can see the sorted data in an Excel chart.
Read More: Excel Chart Not Updating with New Data (2 Suitable Solutions)
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4. Utilizing the SHIFT Key and Mouse to Sort Data
In this method, we will use the SHIFT key and our Mouse to sort data in an Excel chart. This method is helpful to sort data by one or a single value.
Steps:
- First of all, we insert a Bar chart using the Steps described earlier.
As a result, you can see the Bar chart.
After that, we want to sort the Laptop bar of the chart.
- Therefore, we select cells B5 and C5 >> hold the SHIFT key.
Here, you must keep pressing the SHIFT key until we move the cells.
Then, a four-handed arrow will pop up.
- Then, we will keep pressing the SHIFT key and move the cells to our desired place by pressing our Mouse.
Afterward, we move the cells in cells B7 and C7.
- Then, we release the Mouse and SHIFT keys.
Here, as soon as we released the Mouse and SHIFT keys, the chart got sorted.
Hence, we sort the data in an excel chart by a single value.
Read More: How to Create Excel Chart Using Data Range Based on Cell Value
5. Inserting Pivot Table to Sort Data in Excel Chart
In this method, we will insert a Pivot Table Chart. After that, we will sort the data in an Excel chart. This method is helpful to sort the data using the chart rather than using the dataset. Also, this method is useful to sort data in alphabetical order.
Steps:
- First of all, we will select cells B4:C9.
- After that, from the Insert tab >> select the PivotChart group.
- Then, select the Pivot Chart.
Furthermore, a Create PivotChart dialog box will appear.
- Then, select New Worksheet >> click OK.
Afterward, a PivotTable Fields dialog will appear in a new Worksheet.
- Then, drag the Product in the Rows group.
- Along with that, drag the Sales in the Values group.
Therefore, you can see the Pivot Table.
Along with that, you can see a Column Chart.
- After that, we click on the Product of the Column chart.
- Then, we will select Sort Z to A.
This will sort the chart data from Z to A in alphabetical order.
Here, you can easily notice that the Column chart is now sorted alphabetically from Z to A. Along with that the Pivot Table data has also been sorted alphabetically from Z to A.
Read More: How to Add Data Table in an Excel Chart (4 Quick Methods)
Practice Section
You can download the above Excel file to practice the explained method.
Download Practice Workbook
You can download the Excel file and practice while you are reading this article.
Conclusion
Here, we tried to show you 5 methods to sort data in Excel chart. Thank you for reading this article, we hope this was helpful. If you have any queries or suggestions, please let us know in the comment section below. Please visit our website Exceldemy to explore more.
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