Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Fix an Excel Chart That Shows Only Part of the Data

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to correct an Excel chart that is failing to display the full dataset despite the entire data table being selected.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating or editing a chart from a complete data table to visualize the information.
Observed behavior: The chart only displays a fraction of the data, such as a single row or column (e.g., only December and Product D appear in the Legend Entries), instead of the full table.

Before you start

Ensure that your data table has clear headers and no completely blank rows or columns, as empty spaces can disrupt how the chart maps the data series.

Solution 1Recommended

Re-select and Configure the Chart Data Source

Manually update the chart's data source range and verify the legend entries to ensure all rows and columns are correctly included.

When an Excel chart fails to show all selected data, it is usually because the chart series was auto-configured incorrectly. Resetting the source range forces the chart to remap the data.

Select the Chart

Click on the problematic chart in your spreadsheet to activate the Chart Tools on the top ribbon.

Open the Select Data Dialog

Go to the 'Chart Design' tab and click 'Select Data'. Alternatively, right-click the chart area and choose 'Select Data' or 'Change Data Source' from the context menu.

Redefine the Data Range

In the 'Chart data range' box, delete the existing reference and highlight your complete table again, ensuring you include all column and row headers (e.g., B2:F14).

Verify Legend and Axis Entries

Check the 'Legend Entries (Series)' on the left and 'Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels' on the right. Ensure all the required rows and columns are listed and their checkboxes are ticked.

Apply the Changes

Click 'OK' to save the new data source configuration and update the chart visualization.

Switch Row/Column: If the data appears backward after selecting the range, click the 'Switch Row/Column' button within the Select Data Source dialog box to swap how the axes are plotted.

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WPS Spreadsheet provides a highly intuitive interface for creating charts and managing complex data ranges, ensuring your visualizations accurately reflect your complete dataset without the configuration hassle.

1. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your workbook containing the data table.
2. Highlight the Data: Select the entire data range you wish to chart, making sure to include row and column headers.
3. Insert the Chart: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon and select your desired chart type (e.g., Column, Line, Pie).
4. Manage Data Easily: If you need to adjust the data later, click the chart, go to the 'Chart Design' tab, and click 'Select Data' to easily add or remove series.

Seamlessly manage chart data sources with an intuitive Select Data interface.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls) and all standard chart types.Free, lightweight, and fast to load large datasets without lagging.One-click formatting options to beautifully visualize your rows and columns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel chart ignore certain columns in my table?

Excel might ignore columns if they contain text formatted as numbers, or if the data range is separated by completely blank columns. Ensure your data is contiguous and that numerical values are formatted correctly as numbers.

How do I include hidden rows or columns in my chart?

By default, charts do not show hidden data. To change this, right-click the chart, choose 'Select Data', click the 'Hidden and Empty Cells' button at the bottom left, and check the box for 'Show data in hidden rows and columns'.

Can I add a single new column to an existing chart without opening the Select Data menu?

Yes. You can highlight the new column of data in your spreadsheet, press Ctrl+C to copy it, click once on your chart to select it, and press Ctrl+V to paste the data directly into the chart as a new series.

Excel & Data Problems