When Rod tries to add data labels to a column chart (Chart Tools | Layout | Data Labels) the options displayed are None, Center, Inside End, and Inside Base. The option he wants is Outside End. There is a workaround which is to convert the chart to a pie chart, select the Outside End option from data labels, and convert the chart back to a column chart. Once converted back the Outside End option is displayed for the column chart. Rod wonders how he can avoid the workaround so the Outside End option is available when he first creates the column chart.
In doing some testing, it appears that what Rod may actually be working with is a stacked column chart and not a normal column chart. The reason I say this is that we could only replicate the problem if the chart type was stacked column; if it was a normal column chart, then the Outside End option was available, as expected.
If it is indeed the case that Rod is using a stacked column chart, then it makes sense that Excel wouldn't offer Outside End as that option wouldn't make a lot of sense—where would one expect Excel to display the labels for more than a single data series if the series are stacked into single columns?
If Rod double-checks and finds that the problem is really with column (not stacked) charts, then it could be that there is a problem with the workbook in which the charts are being created. This can be confirmed by creating a new workbook from scratch (not by copying data or worksheets) and then creating a column chart in that workbook. If the Outside End option is there—as it should be for a column chart—then you'll have a good indicator that the problem is with the other workbook itself.
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2018-12-05 06:03:44
JM
This is such a simple feature that should be available. Why would they remove the possibility of doing this. I need a stacked column with the sum above the bars. Why can't I add the data label on the outside end without moving every single data label manually! Is there any alternative? I tried adding an invisible scatter plot or bar chart, but that changes the whole design of the chart. I would very much appreciate an alternative.
2018-03-31 12:58:51
Kate
Thank you!!! I switched from stacked to clustered and it moved the labels to the outside end!!
2017-10-12 09:24:33
Andrew Dutch
I'm using Stacked Columns and want "Outside End", but get only the "None, Centre, Inside End, and Inside Base" options.
I tried your converting to a Pie and back again but all it did was to centre the data labels.
...Microsoft, there is a demand here you need to meet!!!
2017-09-22 09:57:46
If you have access to Excel XP, you can create your bar chart in Excel and elect to put the data labels outside the ends of the bars. Do this, and then save the file. Then switch to a newer version of Excel (e.g., 2007), and open the file you just saved. You'll probably need to convert the file to the newer version, but the converted version of the file will have the data labels outside the ends of the bars.
2017-02-01 16:26:25
deb
Outside end labels should be available for all column charts. stacked or not. So why aren't they is what I want to know? I am having the same problem.
2015-06-13 09:34:43
miracle bright
it is a thing of wonderful, I have learnt a new thing today, God bless you real good. I still want you to throw more light on sorting, filtering and advanced filtering.
Thanks alot
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