Using XY Scatter Chart to Plot More Than 4000 Data Points (151266)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 5.0c
This article was previously published under Q151266

SUMMARY

As referenced in the online Help topic "Charting specifications" for the versions mentioned above, the maximum number of data points in a data series is 4000. Microsoft Excel does not allow you to create a chart with more than 4000 data points.

NOTE: In Microsoft Excel 97, two-dimensional charts such as X-Y scatter charts can have up to 32000 data points per data series. If you need to create a chart that contains more points, the steps shown below still work in Microsoft Excel 97.

MORE INFORMATION

When you try to create a chart with more than 4000 data points, you receive a "Maximum number of data points in a data series is 4000" error message. Microsoft Excel then displays a chart that contains only the first 4000 data points. However, it is possible to create an X-Y scatter chart with more than 4000 data points. This can be done by creating an X- Y scatter chart with the first 4000 data points, and then copying and pasting the additional data points as a new data series and appending it to the first series.

Use the following steps to create an X-Y Scatter chart with more than 4000 data points:

  1. Highlight the first 4000 data points and use the Chart Wizard to create the X-Y scatter chart.
  2. Highlight the remaining data points (press CTRL+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW) and copy them (press CTRL+C).
  3. Highlight the chart by clicking on it once. On the Edit menu, click Paste Special, and paste the data as a new series.
The new data series should appear as a continuation of the first.

REFERENCES

For more information about Charting Specifications, search on the phrase "Charting specifications" using the Microsoft Excel Help Index.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/17/2005
Keywords:KB151266
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.