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.
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 MoreExcel allows you to add two distinct types of charts to your workbooks: embedded or chart sheets. You can switch between ...
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