Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Edit Excel Chart Data Series with Noncontiguous Cells

Bushra Parveen Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to learn how to update an Excel chart data series that includes multiple non-adjacent cells or ranges without accidentally resetting the selection.

How to Edit Excel Chart Data Series with Noncontiguous Cells

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing an existing chart or creating a new chart data series that spans across noncontiguous data points in a worksheet.
Observed behavior: When attempting to select multiple separate cells for a chart data series, standard clicking behavior clears the previous selection, making it difficult to select noncontiguous ranges.

Before you start

Ensure your data points are clearly visible on the worksheet and identify the specific non-adjacent cells you want to include in your chart before opening the data selection dialog.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Range-Selector Button and Ctrl Key

This is the most direct and recommended method for selecting multiple non-adjacent cells for a chart data series using your mouse and keyboard.

Using the built-in range-selector tool allows you to minimize the dialog box and clearly view your worksheet. By combining this with the Ctrl key, you can safely select disparate data points without losing your current selection.

Open the Select Data Source dialog

Right-click on your existing Excel chart and choose 'Select Data' from the context menu.

Edit the specific series

In the Legend Entries (Series) box, select the data series you want to modify and click the 'Edit' button.

Activate the range-selector

Click the small range-selector button located at the right end of the 'Series values' data field. This will shrink the dialog box so you can see your spreadsheet.

Select noncontiguous cells

Hold down the 'Ctrl' key on your keyboard. While holding it, click on each individual cell or drag across the separate ranges you want to include in your chart.

Confirm your selection

Once all required cells are highlighted, click the range-selector button again to expand the dialog box, then click 'OK' to apply the new data series.

Use the Range-Selector Button and Ctrl Key

Solution 2

Define and Apply a Named Range

Ideal for complex datasets where the same noncontiguous range needs to be reused across multiple charts or formulas without re-selecting cells manually.

WPS Spreadsheet

Easily Select and Edit Chart Data with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides a highly intuitive and familiar interface for managing chart data. Selecting noncontiguous cells and defining named ranges is straightforward, ensuring your data visualization workflow remains smooth and efficient.

1. Select your chart: Open your workbook in WPS Spreadsheet, right-click the target chart, and click 'Select Data'.
2. Modify the data series: Choose the series you want to update and click the 'Edit' icon.
3. Highlight noncontiguous ranges: Click the range-selector icon, hold the Ctrl key, and effortlessly click all the separate cells you need to include.
4. Save changes: Press Enter to return to the dialog box and click 'OK' to instantly update your visualization.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel file formats (.xls, .xlsx).Smooth range-selector tool for seamlessly highlighting non-adjacent chart data.Robust Name Manager support for advanced data series definition.Free, lightweight, and incredibly fast even with complex datasets.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my chart selection clear when I click a new cell?

This happens if you do not hold down the Ctrl key while making your selection. To select multiple cells that are not next to each other, you must hold the Ctrl key continuously while clicking each new cell.

Can I use a named series on a different worksheet?

Yes, but when entering the series name into the chart dialog on a different sheet, you must qualify it by preceding the defined name with the original worksheet name or the workbook name (e.g., =WorkbookName.xlsx!MyNamedRange).

What happens if my defined name looks like a cell reference?

If you name your range something like 'C1' or 'FY20', the spreadsheet software may confuse it with a column or cell reference. This causes an error or incorrect data plotting. Always use distinct names like 'ChartData_FY20' instead.

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