Label Axes in Excel

When you create a chart in Microsoft Excel, labeling the axes will make it much easier for your readers to understand your data. Labeling the axes in any version of Excel only takes a few minutes, and the benefits for the reader are tremendous.

Steps

Label Axes in Excel 2013

  1. Open the Excel document that contains the chart in which you want axes labeled.
  2. Click on the location in the chart at which you want to label the axes.
  3. Click on the "Charts Elements" button located near the upper-right corner of your Excel chart. The button contains the image of a plus sign.
  4. Place a checkmark next to "Axis Titles." Horizontal and vertical axis text boxes will then be added to your chart.
    • If you want to label your chart's secondary axes, click on the arrow to the right of "Axis Titles," then select "More Options" to designate the axes you want labeled.
  5. Click directly on each of the axis text boxes within the chart, and enter the labels you want for each particular axis.

Label Axes in Excel 2007

  1. Open the Excel document that contains the chart in which you want to label axes.
  2. Click on any location in the chart at which you want to label axes. The "Chart Tools" menu will display.
  3. Click on the tab entitled "Layout" in the Chart Tools menu.
  4. Click on "Axis Titles" from within the "Labels" group.
  5. Click on "Primary Horizontal Axis Title" or "Secondary Horizontal Axis Title" to add a horizontal axis text box to your chart.
  6. Click on "Primary Vertical Axis Title" or "Secondary Vertical Axis Title" to add a vertical axis text box to the chart.
  7. Click directly on each axis text box you added to the chart, and type the label you want for that particular axis.

Label Axes in Excel 2003

  1. Open the Excel spreadsheet that contains the chart in which you need to label axes.
  2. Click anywhere in the chart to display the "Chart" menu.
  3. Select "Chart Options" from the Chart menu.
  4. Click on the tab labeled "Titles."
  5. Type the axis labels of your choice next to the designated fields for your horizontal and vertical axes. Your chart will then contain the axis labels you created.



Tips

  • The steps for labeling axes in this article can also apply to charts you create in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Edit the labels of your axes at any time by clicking directly on the labels. A cursor will appear, and you'll have the ability to enter the desired text.
  • Format your axis labels by right-clicking on them, and selecting "Format Axis Title." Excel will then allow you to format the labels in the manner you choose.
  • If you want the title of your axis to span two separate lines instead of just one, press the "Shift" and "Enter" keys on your keyboard while typing the label to create a second line. If you are using Excel versions 2007 or 2003, press the "Enter" key while typing the label to create an additional line.

Warnings

  • If you switch your chart type to a type that does not support axis labels such as a pie chart, your axis labels will disappear. However, your axis labels will reappear if you switch back to the original chart type.

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Sources and Citations

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