Changing Chart Types

Summary: Excel doesn't limit you to representing your chart's data in a single way. In fact, you can use any number of chart types to showcase your data. This tip shows how easy it is to modify a chart type once your chart has been created. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, and Excel 2003.)

Excel makes changing chart types of an existing chart a breeze. You can change chart types by following these steps:

Select the chart you want to change. You do this by clicking on the chart, if you are selecting an embedded chart. (Eight handles appear around the perimeter of the chart.) If you are selecting a chart sheet, simply make sure the sheet is displayed.
Choose the Chart Type option from the Chart menu. Excel displays the Chart Type dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.) This dialog box looks very similar to one of the steps in the Chart Wizard. Notice that the current chart type is highlighted in the dialog box.
Select any of the major chart types shown in the Chart Type list. When you select a type, the information in the Chart Sub-type area of the dialog box is changed.
Click on one of the Chart Sub-types shown at the right side of the dialog box.
Click on the OK button. Your chart is reformatted using the chart type and sub-type you selected.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3210) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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Changing Chart Types