Adding Data Labels to Your Chart

Data labels are used to indicate what the main part of the chart represents. Depending on the type of chart you are creating, data labels can mean quite a bit. For instance, if you are formatting a pie chart, the data can be more difficult to understand if you don't include data labels.

To add data labels, follow these steps if you are using Excel 2007:

1. Activate the chart by clicking on it, if necessary.
2. Make sure the Layout tab of the ribbon is displayed.
3. Click the Data Labels tool. Excel displays a number of options that control where your data labels are positioned.
4. Select the position that best fits where you want your labels to appear.

If you are using an older version of Excel, follow these steps instead:

1. Activate the chart by clicking on it, if necessary.
2. Choose Chart Options from the Chart menu. Excel displays the Chart Options dialog box.
3. Make sure the Data Labels tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.) The left side of the dialog box shows the different types of data labels you can choose. (The available types will vary, depending on the type of chart you are using.)
4. There are five different basic types of data labels from which you can choose. Each of them represents a different combination of using the data value, a percentage, or a label as the actual data label. Select the option that best reflects what you want to do. As you make choices, notice that the preview chart is updated according to your selections.
5. Click on OK. Your chart is updated as you directed.