How to Resize a Chart in Excel

Charts are an effective way to visualize data in Excel. Once you have created a chart, you may need to resize it to fit it properly into your report or presentation. Resizing a chart in Excel is a simple process that can be completed in just a few clicks. In this blog post, we will explain the steps involved in resizing a chart in Excel and provide tips to ensure that your chart is the right size for your needs.

Step 1: Select the Chart

The first step to resizing a chart in Excel is to select the chart you want to resize. Click on the chart to select it. You will know it is selected when it is surrounded by a blue border with round handles at each corner and in the middle of the sides.

Step 2: Choose the Size You Want

Once the chart is selected, you can change its size by dragging the corners or sides of the blue border. You can also change the size by selecting one of the chart size options that are located in the “Size” group on the “Chart Tools” tab.

The chart size options include “Small,” “Medium,” “Large,” and “Custom.” If you choose the “Custom” option, you can enter specific dimensions for your chart in the “Height” and “Width” boxes.

Step 3: Move the Chart (Optional)

If you need to move your chart to a different location on the worksheet, you can do so by clicking and dragging it to the desired location. Be sure to drag the chart by its edge, and not the chart area. Moving the chart area will alter the data visualization.

Tips for Resizing Charts in Excel

Keep the Aspect Ratio

When resizing a chart in Excel, it’s important to maintain the aspect ratio to ensure that the data isn’t distorted. To maintain the aspect ratio, hold down the Shift key while dragging one of the corner handles of the chart. This will proportionally resize the length and width of the chart.

Ensure Clear Legibility

Ensure clear legibility by not shrinking the text within the chart. This causes it to become too small to read and defeats the purpose of having a chart in the first place. Instead, arrange the text around the chart if necessary.

Make it Visually Appealing

If you’re looking to make your chart visually appealing, a larger chart size may be more visually appealing. If you Choose to make further changes, adjust the chart’s style, color, and fonts. You can do this by clicking on the chart and examining the different “Design” and “Format” options located in the “Chart Tools” tab.

Optimize Chart Display for Different Devices

It is also important to consider the size of the device screen your chart will be displayed on, especially if you are creating a presentation or report with multiple visual elements. Consider sizing your charts depending on the device it will mostly be displayed on, such as a widescreen presentation or letter-sized paper report. To do this, you can customize your chart size by choosing the “Custom” chart size option and entering device-specific dimensions to ensure optimal visibility.

Resizing Individual Chart Elements

If you need to resize a specific element within the chart, such as the legend or the axis titles, you can select each individual element by clicking on it while holding the Ctrl key. This will highlight the element pink while the rest of the chart is still selected. You can then drag the pink highlighted elements to the desired size.

Undo and Redo

If you resize your chart and are not satisfied with the results, you can always use the “Undo” button on the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the Excel window or with the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl” + “Z”. You can also use the “Redo” button to revert the undo action with “Ctrl” + “Y”.

Resizing charts in Excel is a straightforward task that can be accomplished in just a few clicks. The steps are as simple as selecting the chart, choosing the desired size, and moving the chart if needed. To maintain the aspect ratio, hold down the Shift key while resizing the chart. Consider optimizing your chart display for the device your chart will be viewed on and resizing individual chart elements, depending on your needs. Remember to keep your chart’s legibility, readability, and ease of understanding in mind when resizing, and don’t be afraid to undo or redo your changes if you need to make further adjustments.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about resizing charts in Excel:

Can I resize a chart without distorting the data?

Yes, you can maintain the aspect ratio while resizing a chart in Excel by holding down the Shift key while dragging one of the corner handles of the chart. This will proportionally resize the length and width of the chart.

How do I move a chart to a different location on the worksheet?

To move a chart in Excel, click and drag it to the desired location. Be sure to drag the chart by its edge, and not the chart area. Moving the chart area will alter the data visualization.

What if I’m not happy with the chart’s new size?

If you resize your chart and are not satisfied with the results, use the “Undo” button on the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the Excel window or with the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl” + “Z”. You can also use the “Redo” button to revert the undo action with “Ctrl” + “Y”.

Can I resize individual elements within a chart?

Yes, you can resize individual elements within a chart in Excel, such as the legend or axis titles, by highlighting each element while pressing the Ctrl key. You can then drag the highlighted elements to the desired size.

Is there a recommended way to optimize chart display for different devices?

Yes, you can customize your chart size by choosing the “Custom” chart size option and entering device-specific dimensions to ensure optimal visibility. This is especially important to consider if you are creating a presentation or report with multiple visual elements and need to optimize your chart for various device screens.