Auto Arrange Chart Labels

[Liztd]

Is it possible for Excel to automatically arrange the labels / series for a
chart so they do not overlap?

I create a pie chart from a timesheet report which contains many data labels.
When the chart is created much of the text is overlaid on top of each other.
I have to manually drag it to different positions around the outside of the
chart in order to be able to view the different catgeories (e.g. Project 1,
Project 2, Holiday, etc).

Is it possible for Excel to realise that the text will not be viewable and
to automatically arrange the data labels so there is no overlap?

Thanks

Liz

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi,

The pie chart already attempts to arrange the labels when using Best fit.

I suggest you consider another chart type, such as column, that would be
better suited to displaying your labels and making the reading of the chart
easier.

Cheers
Andy

 

[Jon Peltier]

A pie chart with more than about five wedges is guaranteed not to be useful.
You could make a bar chart, and the labels will be horizontal, so easily
read, and they will not risk overlapping.

- Jon

 

[ShaneDevenshire]

Hi Liz,

I have to support the earlier comments that a pie chart may not be very
effective in situations where there are a large number of segments. However,
sometimes the "boss" wants something even if its not the best option.

The answer to your question is basically no. However, you can sometimes
improve things by arranging the data such that big and little slices
alternate - of course that doesn't necessarily fill the business needs, nor
is it guarenteed to solve the problem, it may imporove it. Also a smaller
font size for the data lables may help. And placing the data lables in a
different default position might help - in 2003 select the data labels and
choose Format, Selected Data Labels, click the Alignment tab and try
different choices under Label Position.