How to Show Cell Values on Excel Chart Data Points
Question details
The user wants to display specific spreadsheet cell references or custom values when interacting with or hovering over individual data points in an Excel scatter chart.
- Product
- Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to identify the exact source data cell or a custom descriptive label for specific points in a dense scatter chart.
- Observed behavior
- Excel's native hover tooltip only shows the series name, X value, and Y value. It does not natively support displaying arbitrary custom cell references or addresses on hover without custom programming.
Ensure your scatter chart is fully plotted and that your source spreadsheet includes a dedicated column containing the specific custom labels or cell references you wish to display.
Add Custom Data Labels Using 'Value From Cells'
While Excel doesn't support custom hover tooltips natively without code, displaying permanent custom labels from specific cells is the most reliable built-in alternative.
This built-in feature allows you to attach any text or value from a specific range of cells directly to your chart points, making data identification immediate and seamless.
Click on your scatter chart, then click on one of the data points to select the entire data series.
Click the 'Chart Elements' (+) button that appears at the top right corner of the chart, and check the box for 'Data Labels'.
Click the arrow next to 'Data Labels' and select 'More Options' to open the Format Data Labels pane on the right side of the screen.
In the Label Options section, check the box for 'Value From Cells'. A dialog box will appear asking you to select a data label range. Highlight the spreadsheet cells containing the values or references you want to display, and click OK.
Use a VBA Macro for Hover Tooltips
If you strictly need the information to appear only when your cursor hovers over a point, you must use a VBA macro to capture the mouse event.
Easily Add Custom Cell Values to Charts in WPS Office
WPS Spreadsheet provides an intuitive and free way to build scatter charts and customize data labels. You can quickly link your data points to specific cells using built-in chart formatting tools, offering a seamless alternative to complex VBA workarounds.
- 1. Insert your chart: Open your dataset in WPS Spreadsheet, highlight your data, and insert a Scatter Chart from the Insert tab.
- 2. Select the data series: Click directly on the chart's data points to highlight the series you wish to label.
- 3. Add Data Labels: Click the 'Chart Elements' icon next to the chart and check 'Data Labels'.
- 4. Link to custom cells: In the right-side properties panel under Label Options, check 'Value From Cells' and select the specific spreadsheet range containing your desired display values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize Excel's default chart hover tooltips without VBA?
No, Excel's default hover tooltips are hardcoded to show only the Series Name, Point Name, and X/Y values. Displaying an arbitrary cell reference on hover inherently requires VBA or third-party add-ins.
Why is 'Value From Cells' missing in my Excel options?
The 'Value From Cells' feature for data labels was introduced in Excel 2013. If you are using Excel 2010 or older, this option will not be available natively, and you would need a charting add-in to achieve this effect.
How do I hide the default X and Y values in my data labels?
In the Format Data Labels pane, simply uncheck the 'X Value' and 'Y Value' boxes. Leave only 'Value From Cells' checked to ensure only your custom cell information is displayed on the chart.
