Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Change Excel Chart Y-Axis Labels from Numbers to Text

John Wilson Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to replace numeric values on an Excel chart's Y-axis with custom text categories.

How to Change Excel Chart Y-Axis Labels from Numbers to Text

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a chart where the vertical axis needs to display descriptive text labels instead of default numeric increments.
Observed behavior: Excel defaults to displaying numeric values on the Y-axis for certain chart types, requiring a workaround to show text labels.

Before you start

Ensure your source data includes the specific text labels you want to use, arranged alongside the numeric values you are charting.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Dummy Series for Custom Data Labels

This workaround uses an invisible secondary series to display cell values as text labels along the Y-axis.

Since the vertical value axis in standard charts (like Scatter or Bar charts) is designed to measure quantities, it defaults to numeric scales. Adding a dummy series allows you to leverage custom data labels to simulate a text-based Y-axis.

Create Dummy Data

In your worksheet, set up a new column with X values of 0 and Y values corresponding to the positions of your text categories (e.g., 1 to 7).

Add the Series to the Chart

Right-click the chart, choose 'Select Data', and add the new dummy series using the 0 and 1-7 columns you just created.

Apply Custom Data Labels

Select the newly added dummy series on the chart, right-click, and choose 'Add Data Labels'.

Format Labels to Use Cell Values

Right-click the data labels, select 'Format Data Labels', check the 'Value From Cells' box, and highlight the range containing your desired text labels.

Hide Markers and Legend

Format the dummy series to display no line and no markers. Finally, click on the dummy series name in the legend and press Delete.

Use a Dummy Series for Custom Data Labels

Clean Appearance: Don't forget to hide the original numeric Y-axis labels by formatting the axis and setting the label position to 'None'.

Solution 2

Use a Linked Picture for Text Alignments

Align a linked picture of your text labels next to the chart for chart types that do not support custom data labels well.

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WPS Spreadsheet provides intuitive charting tools that make customizing axes, adding data labels, and formatting straightforward. It is fully compatible with Microsoft Excel files, allowing you to edit and present your data seamlessly.

1. Open Your Data: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your dataset containing the numbers and text labels.
2. Insert Chart: Highlight your primary data, go to the Insert tab, and choose your preferred chart type.
3. Customize Chart Elements: Double-click any chart element to open the configuration pane on the right side of the screen.
4. Add Cell Values as Labels: Add data labels to your series, select 'Value From Cells' in the formatting pane, and choose your text categories.

Free and lightweight office suiteFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsAdvanced chart customization toolsEasy-to-use data label formatting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my chart show numbers instead of text on the Y-axis?

In standard charts like Scatter or Bar charts, the value axis (often the Y-axis) is designed to measure quantities, so it defaults to numeric scales. Text labels are typically reserved for the category axis.

Can I change the X-axis labels to text as well?

Yes, the X-axis (category axis) easily accepts text labels. Simply right-click the chart, choose 'Select Data', and edit the Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels to point to your text cells.

Will the linked picture update if I change my text labels?

Yes, if you use the 'Linked Picture' or Camera tool, any changes made to the original source cells will automatically reflect in the picture next to your chart.

Excel & Data Problems