Add Titles to Graphs in Excel

Microsoft Excel is more than a simple spreadsheet application; it also allow users to create complex calculations and organize data efficiently through the use of pivot tables, functions and graphs. A graph, also referred to as a chart in Excel, allows users to communicate not only data, but also the deeper meanings and implications that data can suggest. Graphical data is much easier for personnel outside of an accounting department to understand. Here's how to add titles to graphs in Excel in order to present the most accurate and complete depiction of a scenario.

Steps

1. Click on the chart that needs a graph title in order to select it. A currently selected graph will have a shaded outline.
2. Notice several additions to the main toolbar when the graph is selected: Design, Layout and Format. These options are under a new header entitled "Chart Tools."
3. Select the Layout tab in the main toolbar. The Labels section of this tab holds the commands for working with titles and labels.
4. Choose "Chart Title."
   • "Centered overlay title" will place a tiled object containing a generic title on the graph that will not resize it.
   • "Above chart" will resize the chart and make room for a centered generic title above the graphical image.
5. Move your mouse and click inside the generic chart title to change the name of the chart to something more descriptive.
6. Click "Chart title" on the toolbar again and select "More title options" at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
   • Here you can add other elements such as a border, fill color or 3-D format to your title.
   • You can also add additional rules to the alignment of your title to manipulate the vertical alignment, text direction and custom angle.
7. Change the font and character spacing of your graph title by right-clicking on the title.
   • You can change the font style, size and color of your title.
   • You can also add many different effects like strike-through, subscript, superscript and small caps.
8. Click Axis Titles to add these elements to your chart in Excel.
   • The Primary Horizontal Axis Title option places that title below the horizontal axis.
   • The Primary Vertical Axis Title menu includes several options for the display of the vertical axis title.

Tips

• You can access many of the same options for working with your chart title by right-clicking on the title.
• You can link the chart or axis titles in your graph to any cell in your spreadsheet. Click the title you want to link and, while it is selected, click in the Formula bar. Type the equals (=) sign. Now select the cell you want to link the title to by clicking it. Press "Enter." This is a great way to make sure your title updates automatically if the data in the linked cell changes.

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Sources and Citations

• http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/add-or-remove-titles-in-a-chart-HP001234162.aspx

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