How to Change the Order of the Legend in an Excel Chart

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Legends help explain charts and graphs.

A chart is nothing more than a graph of different numbers and data without a legend. A legend tells the reader what each section of the graph is. Microsoft Excel automatically generates a legend with each chart you create, so you don't need to worry about figuring it out for yourself. However, if you're not satisfied with the order that Excel puts the legend in, you can change it.

Advertisement

Step 1

Right-click on one of the names listed on your legend.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Click on the "Select Data" option from the list that appears.

Step 3

Click on the entry you want to move in the "Legend Entries (Series)" box.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Step 4

Click the "Up" or "Down" arrows in the box to change the position of the legend. Click "OK" when finished to save your changes.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references