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.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12608) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013.
Excel Smarts for Beginners! Featuring the friendly and trusted For Dummies style, this popular guide shows beginners how to get up and running with Excel while also helping more experienced users get comfortable with the newest features. Check out Excel 2013 For Dummies today!
Excel is an excellent tool for keeping track of data over time. If you have information you are keeping by year, you may ...
Discover MoreExcel and Word are intended to work together, but sometimes it can seem that getting them to do so isn't that intuitive. ...
Discover MoreDo you want to add data labels to the data points in an xy graph? Excel doesn't provide a way to get the desired labels, ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
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
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2018 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments