A row or column of related numbers plotted in a chart is called a data series.
Excel can plot data arranged in rows or columns.
When you create a new chart, Excel makes a decision about data series.
When the data contains more rows than columns, Excel uses columns for the data series.
When the data contains more columns than rows, Excel uses rows for the data series.
For example, here we have chocolate sales data for 6 months.
In summary, Excel will use the smaller number for data series.
Notice that the chart data series are linked to the legend.
Or, easier, right-click a chart and choose Select Data.
The Select Data Source window shows the data series on the left.
you could also confirm the data series by clicking directly on a data series in the chart.
Excel will highlight the series on the worksheet, along with the axis labels.
Sometimes you want to reverse the way that Excel plots data series.
Just grab the “Switch Row/Column” button on the Design tab to reverse.
you’re able to find this same option in the Data Source window.
I’ll use it here to switch rows and columns in the second chart.
The Data Source window also lets you reorder data series using up and down buttons.
you might also enable or disable series here as well.
