Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Copy Data from an Excel Chart in Microsoft 365 Outlook

John Wilson Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to copy specific data points from an Excel chart that has been pasted into a Microsoft 365 Outlook email.

How to Copy Data from an Excel Chart in Microsoft 365 Outlook

Product: Microsoft 365 Outlook and Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to select and copy individual pieces of data from an embedded Excel chart within an Outlook email draft or message.
Observed behavior: Outlook only allows the selection of the complete chart object, unlike Office 2019 where individual chart data points could be selected and copied directly from the email.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to the original Excel spreadsheet that contains the chart, as copying directly from the source file is the most reliable way to extract specific data ranges.

Solution 1Recommended

Copy Source Data Directly from Excel

Bypass Outlook's chart selection limitations by extracting the exact data range directly from the original Excel spreadsheet.

Since Microsoft 365 treats pasted charts in emails as a single object, the easiest way to get specific data is to go back to the source file.

Open the Source File

Launch Microsoft Excel and open the workbook containing the chart you wish to extract data from.

Select the Data Range

Locate the cells containing the raw data that feeds into the chart. Click and drag your mouse to highlight the specific data points you need.

Copy the Data

Right-click the highlighted selection and click 'Copy', or press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.

Paste into Outlook

Return to your Microsoft 365 Outlook email, right-click in the message body, and choose the 'Keep Text Only' or 'Keep Source Formatting' paste option to insert the data as a readable table.

Best Practice: Pasting the data as a table rather than a chart image ensures that recipients can easily copy the individual text values from your email.

Solution 2

Use 'Edit Data' to Access the Chart Source in Outlook

Open the embedded spreadsheet behind the chart directly from Outlook to copy the required data points.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Data Handling

Struggling with complicated object selection and paste behaviors in Microsoft 365? WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. Easily manage your spreadsheets, edit charts, and copy data between documents and emails without formatting headaches.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free office suite.
2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing Microsoft Excel workbook.
3. Copy Data Flexibly: Select the exact chart elements or data cells you need, copy them, and paste them smoothly into any email client.

Completely free and lightweight office suiteHigh compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) filesFamiliar interface with a gentle learning curveConsistent copy-and-paste behavior across all tools

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I no longer select individual chart data points in Microsoft 365 Outlook emails?

In Microsoft 365, the way Outlook handles pasted objects has changed from Office 2019. It now typically treats pasted charts as a single graphical object to preserve layout integrity, which prevents users from clicking and copying individual data points directly from the email body.

How can I make sure recipients can copy data from the charts I send?

Instead of just pasting the chart, it is best to copy the actual data range from your spreadsheet and paste it into the email as a table alongside the chart. Alternatively, you can attach the source Excel file to the email.

Does pasting the chart as a picture allow me to extract data?

No, pasting an Excel chart as a picture converts the entire chart into a static image file (like a PNG or JPEG). You will not be able to interact with or copy any of the underlying numerical data.

Excel & Data Problems