how do I get more than 19 bars on a bar chart

[brian scotr]

Hi! I have three columns of data each containing 84 entries. These are
grouped in threes, and I wish to create a bar chart to show the comparison
between groups A, B and C.

I use the chart wizard, create a bar chart, then create the series. Then
for each series I go down the column with CTRL held down, selecting each
third entry. This is fine for 19 entries, but when I click to select entry
no. 20, the series clears itself. If I highlight 20 entries and then click
on Insert/chart, I get the message 'Series formula is too long'.

Can anyone explain please how to over come this, so that I can get all
entries into the chart and not just part?

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi,

The length of the series formula is limited, 1024 characters I believe. The
non contiguous cells are breaking this limit.
You need to use a set of contiguous cells that are linked to original using
formula

Assuming original data in A2:A29 this formula will pick 1st, 4th, 7th etc
data point. Enter in F2 and copy down for 10 cells

F2: =OFFSET(A2,((ROW()-2)*2),0)

Cheers
Andy