How to: Position Labels in a Chart
Since each chart type has a different shape, data point labels are placed in an optimal location so as not to interfere on the chart. The default position of the labels depends varies with the chart type:
On stacked charts, labels can only be positioned inside the series.
On funnel or pyramid charts, labels are placed on the outside in a column.
On pie charts, labels are placed inside the individual slices on a pie chart.
On bar charts, labels are placed outside of the bars that represent data points.
On polar charts, labels are placed outside of the circular area that represents data points.
To change the position of point labels in a Pie chart
Create a pie chart.
On the design surface, right-click on the chart and select Show Data Labels.
Open the Properties pane.
On the design surface, click the chart. The properties for the chart are displayed in the Properties pane.
In the General section, expand the CustomAttributes node. A list of attributes for the pie chart is displayed.
Select a value for the PieLabelStyle property.
To change the position of point labels in a Funnel or Pyramid chart
Create a funnel or pyramid chart.
On the design surface, right-click the chart and select Show Data Labels.
Open the Properties pane.
On the design surface, click the chart. The properties for the chart are displayed in the Properties pane.
In the General section, expand the CustomAttributes node. A list of attributes for the funnel chart is displayed.
For a funnel chart, select a value for the FunnelLabelStyle property. For a pyramid chart, select a value for the PyramidLabelStyle property.
Note
When this property is set to a value OutsideInColumn, the amount of space between the Shape chart and the labels are drawn in a straight line. There is no way to change the position of the column.
To change the position of point labels in a Bar chart
Create a bar chart.
On the design surface, right-click the chart and select Show Data Labels.
Open the Properties pane.
On the design surface, click the chart. The properties for the chart are displayed in the Properties pane.
In the General section, expand the CustomAttributes node. A list of attributes for the funnel chart is displayed.
Select a value for the BarLabelStyle property.
When the bar label style is set to Outside, the labels will be placed outside of the bar, as long as it fits in the chart area. If the label cannot be placed outside of the bar but inside of the chart area, the label is placed inside the bar at the position closest to the end of the bar.
To change the position of point labels in an Area, Column, Line or Scatter chart
Create an Area, Column, Line or Scatter chart.
On the design surface, right-click the chart and select Show Data Labels.
Open the Properties pane.
On the design surface, click the series. The properties for the series are displayed in the Properties pane.
In the Data section, expand the DataPoint node, then expand the Label node.
Select a value for the Position property.
See Also
Tasks
How to: Format Axis Labels as Dates or Currencies
How to: Display Data Point Labels Outside a Pie Chart
Reference
Series Label Properties Dialog Box, General