Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Moving a Chart's Legend.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 14, 2024)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Excel provides a wide range of charts you can use to graphically represent the data in your worksheet. The provided charts are just a start, however, as you can modify the base charts quite a bit. For instance, you can add a legend to your chart, as described in other issues of ExcelTips. Once your legend is placed, your options are still not complete. You can move the legend to any position within your chart.
To move a chart's legend, simply click on it once to select it. (You will know it is selected when eight handles appear around the perimeter of the legend.) Then use the mouse to click within the legend and drag the legend to the desired position on the chart. When you release the mouse button, the legend stays were you dropped it.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2442) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Moving a Chart's Legend.
Best-Selling VBA Tutorial for Beginners Take your Excel knowledge to the next level. With a little background in VBA programming, you can go well beyond basic spreadsheets and functions. Use macros to reduce errors, save time, and integrate with other Microsoft applications. Fully updated for the latest version of Office 365. Check out Microsoft 365 Excel VBA Programming For Dummies today!
Once you create a chart, you aren't limited to keeping the data series in the order they originally appeared. You can ...
Discover MoreOne way you can make your charts look more understandable is by removing the "jaggies" that are inherent to line charts. ...
Discover MoreWhen you create a chart in Excel, the program may automatically add a legend that explains the contents of the chart. In ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here:
Comments