Fix Excel Data Labels Not Showing Value From Cells Option
Question details
The user needs to apply custom data labels to a chart using values from specific cells, but the required option is missing from the formatting menu.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing chart data points to display specific text or values sourced from a custom cell range.
- Observed behavior
- The Value From Cells option is completely unavailable or greyed out within the Format Data Labels pane.
Check your current file extension in the title bar; if your workbook is saved as a legacy .xls file, it will run in Compatibility Mode and disable newer charting features.
Convert the Workbook to XLSX Format
The Value From Cells feature is unsupported in the older .xls format. Upgrading your file to .xlsx restores this functionality.
Modern Excel features, including advanced data label formatting, are restricted when working in Compatibility Mode. Saving the document to the current standard format is the easiest way to resolve this issue.
Click on the File tab in the top-left corner of Excel and select Save As from the left sidebar.
Click the file type drop-down menu below the file name and select Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) from the list.
Click Save to convert the file. Close the workbook completely, and then reopen the newly saved .xlsx file.
Select your chart, right-click on the data series, click Format Data Labels, and check the newly available Value From Cells box.
Use a VBA Macro to Assign Data Labels
If you are using an older version of Excel that does not natively support Value From Cells, you can use a VBA macro to pull label text from a helper column.
Add Custom Data Labels Easily in WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet fully supports modern .xlsx features and provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface for customizing chart data labels without relying on complex VBA codes.
- 1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx or .xls data file.
- 2. Select the chart series: Click directly on the chart data points (like the bars or lines) to highlight the specific series.
- 3. Open label settings: Click the Chart Elements icon (plus sign) next to the chart and check Data Labels to add them.
- 4. Choose Value From Cells: Double-click the newly added labels to open the right-side formatting pane, check Value From Cells, and highlight your preferred custom range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which versions of Excel support the Value From Cells option?
The 'Value From Cells' option was introduced in Excel 2013. If you are using Excel 2010 or older, this feature is natively unavailable, and you must use a VBA workaround or a third-party add-in.
Can I use text strings instead of numbers for chart data labels?
Yes, by utilizing the 'Value From Cells' feature, you can highlight a range containing text, dates, or a mixture of both, and apply those directly to your chart data points.
Why is my 'Value From Cells' checkbox greyed out even in newer Excel versions?
The checkbox is typically greyed out if your workbook is running in Compatibility Mode (saved in the older .xls format). Saving the file as an .xlsx document and reopening it will enable the option.
