Microsoft KB Archive/81563

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Excel: Closed Worksheet Number Formats Do Not Appear on Chart

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0
 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
 * Microsoft Excel for OS/2, versions 2.x and 3.0

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SUMMARY
In Microsoft Excel versions 3.0 and later, built-in number formats are displayed on charts whether or not the supporting worksheet is open. However, if the format is a custom (that is, not built-in) format, the supporting worksheet must be open in order for the format to display.

In Excel 5.0, if the data with a custom format is in the same book as the chart, this behavior does not occur. However, if you move the chart into a new book, the supporting workbook must be open for the custom number formats to display correctly on the chart.

MORE INFORMATION
In Excel versions earlier than 3.0, the format of values on a chart is updated only if the supporting document is open. This applies to all number formats. If the worksheet is closed, the values appear on the chart in default formats.

In worksheets, as opposed to charts, information is always displayed according to the format applied to the cell that contains it. In this case, formatting for linked information is in no way dependent on supporting documents.