Microsoft KB Archive/151266

= Using XY Scatter Chart to Plot More Than 4000 Data Points =

Article ID: 151266

Article Last Modified on 8/17/2005

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 95 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Excel 5.0c

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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.

