Text Labels On A Vertical Column Chart In Excel
If you are a data analyst or working with data, you must have come across the need to create charts to represent data in a more meaningful way. Charts are an excellent way to visualize data and make it easier to understand. One of the most commonly used charts is the column chart, where data is plotted as vertical bars. In this article, we will discuss how to add text labels on a vertical column chart in Excel.
Creating A Column Chart In Excel
Before we get into adding text labels, let's first create a column chart in Excel. To create a column chart, follow these steps:
- Select the data table that you want to use for the chart
- Go to the Insert tab and select Column Chart from the Charts group
- Select the type of column chart that you want to use
- Your chart will be created
Now that we have created a basic column chart, let's move on to adding text labels.
Adding Text Labels On A Column Chart
Text labels on a column chart are used to show the value of each column. By default, Excel does not show text labels on a column chart. However, adding text labels is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
- Select the chart
- Go to the Layout tab and select Data Labels from the Labels group
- Select the position of the data labels – Above, Center or Below
- Your chart will now show the data labels
However, the data labels will show the raw numbers. To make it more meaningful, we need to format the data labels.
Formatting Data Labels
The data labels can be formatted to show custom text instead of raw numbers. To format the data labels, follow these steps:
- Select the chart
- Go to the Layout tab and select Data Labels from the Labels group
- Select Format Data Labels
- In the Format Data Labels dialog box, select the Label Options tab
- Select the Label Contains option and choose the type of label you want to use
- Enter the custom text you want to use in the Label Text box
- Click Close
Now your chart will show custom text labels instead of raw numbers.
Changing The Font And Size Of Data Labels
You can also change the font and size of the data labels to make them more visible. To change the font and size of data labels, follow these steps:
- Select the chart
- Go to the Layout tab and select Data Labels from the Labels group
- Select Format Data Labels
- In the Format Data Labels dialog box, select the Label Options tab
- Select the Font option and choose the font and size you want to use
- Click Close
Now your chart will show data labels in the font and size you selected.
Conclusion
Adding text labels on a vertical column chart in Excel is a simple process. By adding text labels, you can make your chart more meaningful and easier to understand. You can format the data labels to show custom text, change the font and size of data labels to make them more visible. With these tips, you can create professional-looking charts that effectively represent your data.