If you’ve ever tried to make a chart in Excel, you know that getting it to fit perfectly on your screen or in your report can be tricky. But don’t worry! Resizing a chart in Excel is straightforward. In just a few steps, you’ll learn how to adjust your chart’s size to fit your needs perfectly.
How to Resize a Chart in Excel
By following these steps, you’ll be able to resize a chart in Excel quickly and easily, making it look just right for your presentation or report.
Step 1: Click on the Chart
To start, click on the chart you want to resize. This will select the chart and make resizing handles appear around it.
Now, you should see small circles or squares around the edges of your chart. These are the resizing handles that will allow you to adjust the size.
Step 2: Hover Over a Resizing Handle
Next, move your mouse cursor over one of the resizing handles until it turns into a double-headed arrow.
You can choose any of the handles, but the corner handles let you adjust both the height and width at the same time. The side handles will only let you change the height or width.
Step 3: Click and Drag to Resize
Click on the handle and drag it to resize the chart. Release the mouse button when the chart is the size you want.
As you drag, you’ll see the chart’s outline change size. This gives you a preview of how your chart will look once resized.
Step 4: Adjust the Placement
After resizing, you might need to move the chart to a better location. Click inside the chart, hold down the mouse button, and drag it to the desired position.
Make sure your chart isn’t overlapping any critical data or text. You want it to be clear and easy to read.
Step 5: Release the Mouse Button
Once your chart is the right size and in the perfect spot, simply release the mouse button to finalize the changes.
Your chart should now be resized and well-placed in your Excel sheet, ready for further editing or presentation.
After completing these steps, your chart will be resized to fit your needs. The changes are immediate, so you’ll see the results right away.
Tips for Resizing a Chart in Excel
- Ensure you use the corner handles to maintain the chart’s aspect ratio.
- Use the ‘Format’ tab for precise sizing options if dragging doesn’t give you the exact dimensions you need.
- Keep your chart clear of overlapping data for better readability.
- Utilize Excel’s gridlines to align your chart properly.
- Resize charts to fit within the printable area if you plan to print your worksheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I accidentally resize my chart too much?
No worries! You can always use the ‘Undo’ button or press Ctrl+Z to revert to the previous size.
Can I resize multiple charts at once?
Unfortunately, you can’t resize multiple charts at the same time. You’ll have to resize each one individually.
Why do my charts look blurry after resizing?
Blurry charts usually mean you’ve stretched them too far. Try to resize in smaller increments or use the ‘Format’ tab for precise dimensions.
How can I make my chart fit on one page when printing?
Use the ‘Page Layout’ tab to adjust the print area and scale your chart to fit within those margins.
Can I set a specific size for my chart?
Yes, under the ‘Format’ tab, you can enter exact height and width values for your chart.
Summary
- Click on the chart.
- Hover over a resizing handle.
- Click and drag to resize.
- Adjust the placement.
- Release the mouse button.
Conclusion
Resizing a chart in Excel doesn’t have to be a chore. With just a few clicks and drags, you can make your charts fit perfectly in your spreadsheet, presentation, or report. Remember to use the corner handles to maintain the aspect ratio and ensure your chart stays clear and readable. Now that you know how to resize a chart in Excel, you can make your data visualization look professional and polished every time. For more tips and tricks, consider exploring Excel’s extensive formatting options, or head over to our other articles on advanced Excel features. Happy charting!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.