How to Change the Data Series Name in Microsoft Excel

Quick summary

Renaming a data series in Microsoft Excel helps keep your charts accurate and clearly labeled for reports or presentations. You can update any series name directly through the Chart Editor without editing the underlying spreadsheet data.

Steps

1. In your Microsoft Excel worksheet, find and select the chart that contains the data series you want to rename.
2. Go to the top navigation bar and click 'Chart'.
3. Choose 'Select Data' from the dropdown options.
4. In the Chart Editor panel, select the data series field you want to customize.
5. Click the 'Edit Title' icon for the selected series.
6. Type the new data series name into the input field, then click the 'Done' icon to apply your changes.
7. The data series name on your chart will now reflect the updated label.