If you don't want to get confused among all the graphs in your Excel worksheet, take a few minutes to read this article and learn how to add a graph title in Excel 2013 and ensure it updates dynamically. I’ll also demonstrate how to add descriptive titles to the axes or remove a graph or axis title from a chart. It’s quite straightforward! :)

You spend a lot of time in Excel, performing countless calculations and organizing your data using various tables and graphs. It can feel overwhelming when faced with rows of numbers and facts. Graphical data, however, is much easier to comprehend.

The challenge arises when you create a basic graph in Excel 2013/2010, as a title isn’t added automatically. You must add it manually. With just one graph in the worksheet, the lack of a title might not be noticeable. However, once multiple diagrams appear, things can get confusing.

Here’s a straightforward example of inserting a graph title in Excel 2013. This method works across all Excel versions for every graph type.

1. Click anywhere within the graph to which you wish to add a title.

2. Upon selecting the graph, the GRAPH TOOLS will appear in the main toolbar. These tools are visible only when the graph is selected (it will have a shaded outline). In Excel 2013, the GRAPH TOOLS include two tabs: DESIGN and FORMAT.

   

3. Click on the DESIGN tab.

4. Open the drop-down menu labeled Add Graph Element in the Graph Layouts group. If you're working in Excel 2010, navigate to the Labels group on the Layout tab.

5. Choose 'Graph Title' and decide where you want your title to appear. You can position the title above the graphic (which slightly adjusts the chart size) or opt for the Centered Overlay option to place the title directly over the graph without resizing it.

   

6. Click inside the title box.

7. Highlight the words 'Graph Title' and begin typing the desired name for your graph.

Now it’s clear what the graph represents, isn’t it?

Format a graph title

1. If you revisit DESIGN *-> Add Graph Element -> Graph Title and select 'More Title Options'** at the bottom of the drop-down menu, you'll be able to customize your graph title. A sidebar will appear to the right of the worksheet.

   

   In Excel 2010, you'll find 'More Title Options' at the bottom of the Graph Title drop-down menu in the Labels group on the Layout tab.

   Alternatively, right-click on the title box and select 'Format Graph Title' from the context menu.

   

   Now you can add borders, fill colors, apply 3-D effects, or adjust alignment.

2. Right-click on the title box and choose the Font option or utilize the formatting buttons on the Ribbon (HOME tab, Font group) to format the text. Both methods will bring up the following window.

   

You can now alter the font style, size, or color of the title; apply various text effects; and modify character spacing.

Create a dynamic graph title

It’s time to automate the graph title. The solution is simple—you need to link the graph title to a cell containing a formula.

1. Click on the graph title.

2. Enter the equal sign (=) in the Formula bar. Ensure the equal sign is in the Formula bar, not the title box.

3. Click on the cell you wish to link to the graph title. Note: The cell should contain the text you desire for your graph title (like cell B2 in the example below). The cell can also hold a formula. The formula result will serve as your graph title. While you can input the formula directly into the title, it’s less convenient for future edits.

   After doing this, you’ll notice the formula reference, including the worksheet name and cell address, in the Formula bar.

   

   It’s crucial to type the equal sign (=). Failing to do so will simply move you to another cell instead of creating the dynamic Excel link.

4. Press the Enter key.

Thus, if you modify the text in cell B2, the graph title will update automatically.

Add an axis title

A graph typically has at least two axes: the horizontal x-axis (category axis) and the vertical y-axis. Three-dimensional graphs also feature a depth (series) axis. When the values aren’t self-explanatory, adding axis titles clarifies what the graph displays.

1. Select the graph.

2. Navigate to the Graph Layouts group on the DESIGN tab.

3. Open the drop-down menu labeled 'Add Graph Element'. In Excel 2010, go to the Labels group on the Layout tab and click the Axis Title button.

4. From Axis Title options, pick the desired axis title position: Primary Horizontal or Primary Vertical.

   

5. In the Axis Title text box that appears in the graph, type the text you wish.

If you want to format the axis title, click in the title box, highlight the text you wish to format, and follow the same steps as for formatting a graph title. However, in the Add Graph Element drop-down menu, go to Axis Title -> More Axis Title Options and make the changes you desire.

Note: Some graph types (like radar charts) have axes but don’t display axis titles. Certain chart types, such as pie and doughnut charts, lack axes altogether and thus don’t display axis titles. Switching to another chart type that doesn’t support axis titles will cause the axis titles to disappear.

Remove a graph or axis title

Choose the method that best suits you to eliminate a graph or axis title from a chart.

Solution 1

1. Click anywhere in the graph.

2. Open the Add Graph Element drop-down menu in the Graph Layouts group on the DESIGN tab.

3. Select the Graph Title option and choose 'None'. Your graph title will vanish without a trace. In Excel 2010, this option can be found by clicking on the Graph Title button in the Labels group on the Layout tab.

   

Solution 2

To quickly erase the title, click on the graph title or axis title and press the Delete key.

You can also right-click on the graph or axis title and select 'Delete' from the context menu.

Solution 3

If you’ve just entered a new title and changed your mind, click 'Undo' on the Quick Access Toolbar or press CTRL Z.

Now you know how to add, format, automate, and remove such small yet essential details as graph and axis titles. Remember to use these techniques when presenting your work in Excel charts for a complete and accurate representation. It’s easy and effective!

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