Add Vertical Line To Horizontal Bar Chart Excel

Horizontal bar charts are an effective way to display data, but sometimes you may want to add a vertical line to highlight a specific point. In Excel, there are several ways to add a vertical line to a horizontal bar chart. In this article, we will explore the different methods you can use to achieve this.

Method 1: Add a Vertical Line Using Error Bars

The first method involves using error bars to add a vertical line to your horizontal bar chart. Follow the steps below:

Select your chart and click on the Chart Elements button on the right-hand side of the chart.
Check the Error Bars box and select the error bars option that best suits your needs. For example, you can select the Plus option to add a vertical line that extends above the highest bar in your chart.
Format the error bars to remove the horizontal lines and change the color of the vertical line to match your chart.

Method 2: Add a Vertical Line Using a Data Series

The second method involves adding a data series to your chart to create a vertical line. Follow the steps below:

Add a new data series to your chart that contains the value you want to highlight.
Format the data series so that it is a line chart with no markers.
Change the axis of the data series to the secondary axis.
Format the secondary axis so that it has no labels and no tick marks.
Format the data series line to match the color and style of your chart.

Method 3: Add a Vertical Line Using a Shape

The third method involves adding a shape to your chart to create a vertical line. Follow the steps below:

Related Chart

Select the Insert tab and click on the Shapes button.
Select the Line shape and draw a vertical line on your chart.
Format the line to match the color and style of your chart.
Change the position of the line so that it lines up with the data you want to highlight.

These are the three methods you can use to add a vertical line to your horizontal bar chart in Excel. Choose the method that works best for your needs and experiment with different colors and styles to make your chart stand out.