Adding a new data series to an existing chart in Excel is straightforward. Here's how:
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Enter Your New Data: On the worksheet containing your chart's data, enter the new data series directly next to or below your existing data. This ensures Excel recognizes it as related information.
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Select the Chart: Click anywhere within the chart you want to modify. This activates the chart tools.
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Adjust the Data Range:
- Excel will usually highlight the data range used by the chart. Look for sizing handles (small squares) at the corners of the highlighted range.
- On the worksheet, drag these sizing handles to expand the highlighted range and include your newly added data. Excel will automatically update the chart to reflect the added series.
Example:
Let's say your chart currently shows sales data for January, February, and March. You want to add data for April.
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Enter the April sales figures in the cells next to your March data.
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Click on the chart.
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Drag the sizing handles on the data source to include the April sales data.
That's it! Excel automatically adds the new series to your chart.