Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Fix Excel 2016 Not Showing a Filled Map Chart

WPS Editor Sep 25, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to create a 2D filled Map Chart in Excel 2016, although the 3D Maps feature is available and functioning.

Why Excel 2016 Does Not Show a Filled Map Chart

Product: Microsoft Excel 2016
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to insert a 2D filled map chart to visualize geographical data on a spreadsheet.
Observed behavior: The native 2D Map Chart option is missing or unavailable, preventing the user from generating a standard filled map visualization.

Before you start

Verify your exact Microsoft Office version in the Account settings and ensure you are connected to the internet, as map features require online location services to render properly.

Solution 1Recommended

Upgrade to Microsoft 365 or a Newer Office Version

The 2D Filled Map Chart is a premium feature not included in standard Excel 2016 licenses.

Microsoft introduced the native 2D Map Chart feature exclusively for Microsoft 365 subscribers and standalone versions starting from Excel 2019. Excel 2016 does not support this specific chart type.

To access this feature, you will need to upgrade your software license.

Check current license

Open Excel, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account'. Review your product information under 'Product Information'.

Upgrade subscription

If you are on a perpetual Excel 2016 license, visit the Microsoft website to purchase or subscribe to Microsoft 365.

Insert map chart

After upgrading, highlight your geographical data, navigate to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Maps' in the Charts group, and select 'Filled Map'.

Upgrade to Microsoft 365 or a Newer Office Version

Data formatting: Ensure your geographical data (countries, states, zip codes) is correctly formatted in one column with corresponding values in the adjacent column for the map to generate accurately.

Solution 2

Use the Built-in 3D Maps Feature

Utilize Excel 2016's existing 3D Maps (formerly Power Map) as an alternative for geographical visualization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install an add-in to get 2D Map Charts in Excel 2016?

There is no official Microsoft add-in that adds the native 2D Map Chart feature to Excel 2016. However, you can use the 'Bing Maps' add-in available in the Office Store to plot basic data points on a map.

Why do my 3D Maps work but not 2D Maps in Excel 2016?

3D Maps (formerly Power Map) was included as a standard feature in the Excel 2016 release. The specific 2D Filled Map chart was developed later and released exclusively for Microsoft 365 and Excel 2019+ versions.

Do I need an internet connection to create map charts?

Yes, whether you are using 3D Maps in Excel 2016 or Map Charts in newer versions, an active internet connection is required to communicate with Bing Maps services and accurately plot your geographic data.

Excel & Data Problems