Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated December 3, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Ben knows how to create a chart based on data in a worksheet. If he later changes the data on which the chart is based, Excel will update the chart to reflect the change. He wonders, however, if there is a way, perhaps with an add-on, that he can drag points in his chart and have those changes reflect back into the data.
This is a feature that is already built into Excel; no extra add-on is necessary. If you create a chart, click on a single data point, and then hover the mouse over the data point, you'll see that it changes to a double-headed arrow. Once this happens, drag the data point as you desire. When you release the mouse button, the data upon which the chart is based is modified to reflect the new position of the data point.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (9174) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
When formatting a chart, you select elements and then change the properties of those elements until everything looks just ...
Discover MoreWhen formatting a chart, you might want to change the characteristics of the font used in various chart elements. This ...
Discover MoreDo you use Excel's charting capabilities to display three-dimensional views of your data? The program provides a way that ...
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 © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments