How to Add a Title to a Chart in Excel

If you are working with data in Microsoft Excel, charts can be a powerful tool to convey information visually. However, for a chart to be truly impactful and meaningful, it needs a clear and concise title. In this blog post, we will walk you through the quick and easy steps to add a title to a chart in Excel, ensuring that your audience understands the story that your data is trying to tell.

Step 1: Create a Chart

The first step in adding a title to your chart is to create the chart itself. If you haven’t already, select the data you want to chart and click on the ‘Insert’ tab at the top of the Excel window. From there, you can choose the type of chart you want to use, such as a pie chart, bar chart, or line chart.

Step 2: Select the Chart

Once you’ve created your chart, click on the chart to select it. This will cause a Chart Tools tab to appear at the top of the Excel window.

Step 3: Add a Chart Title

From the Chart Tools tab, click on the ‘Chart Title’ button, which is located in the ‘Labels’ group. You can choose between two options: ‘None’ or ‘Above Chart’.

Step 4: Customize Your Title

If you choose ‘Above Chart’, Excel will automatically insert a placeholder text box with the words ‘Chart Title’ in it. You can simply type over this placeholder text with your desired title.

Additional Tips

• You can format the font, size, color, and alignment of your chart title just as you would any other text in Excel.
• If you want to add a subtitle to your chart, simply repeat the above steps, but choose ‘Chart Title’ -> ‘More Title Options’, and then select ‘Subtitle’.

Best Practices for Chart Titles

When creating chart titles, it’s important to keep a few best practices in mind to ensure that your chart is effective and easy to understand:

• Be descriptive: Your chart title should provide a clear and concise description of what the chart is showing. Avoid using generic titles like “Sales Data” or “Graph”. Instead, use more descriptive titles like “Quarterly Sales by Region” or “Website Traffic by Device”.
• Keep it concise: While you want your title to be descriptive, it should also be short and to the point. Aim for a title that is no more than 10-15 words. If your title is too long, it may be difficult for your audience to read and understand.
• Use keywords: Including relevant keywords in your chart title can help your audience quickly understand what the chart is showing. For example, if you’re creating a chart to show website traffic, include the keywords “website” and “traffic” in your title.
• Highlight the main point: Your chart title should highlight the main point of your chart, making it easy for your audience to understand what you’re trying to communicate. If you have multiple data points on your chart, focus on the most important one in your title.

Wrapping Up

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily add a title to your chart in Excel. Remember to keep your title descriptive, concise, and focused on the main point of your chart. By following these best practices, you can create charts that are both visually appealing and easy to understand, making it easier for you to communicate your data to your audience.

FAQ

Here are some common questions people ask related to adding titles to charts in Excel:

Can I change the font style and size of the chart title?

Yes, you can customize the font style, size, and color of your chart title just like you would any other text in Excel. Simply select the chart title, then use the formatting options in the ‘Home’ tab to make your changes.

Can I use multiple lines for my chart title?

Yes, you can use multiple lines for your chart title if the title is too long for a single line. Simply click on the chart title and press ‘Enter’ to create a new line. You can also adjust the font size or the chart title box to fit more text.

What if I want to add a secondary title or subtitle?

You can add a secondary title or subtitle to your chart by selecting the ‘Chart Title’ button, then clicking on ‘More Title Options’. From there, you can choose to add a secondary title or subtitle, set the font style, and adjust the placement and alignment.

How do I remove the chart title completely?

You can remove the chart title by selecting the title and pressing the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can go to the ‘Chart Title’ button and select ‘None’.

What if I need to change the chart title after I’ve finished creating the chart?

To change the chart title after it has been created, simply click on the title and type over the old text. You can also make any necessary formatting changes using the ‘Home’ tab.