Microsoft KB Archive/121392

Microsoft Knowledge Base

Excel Err Msg: "Series Formula Too Long" When Creating Chart

Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
Article ID: Q121392

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel, when you attempt to create a chart, you may receive the following error message:

   Series formula is too long

You receive this message if you try to create a series that contains more than the allowed number of references.

MORE INFORMATION

In Microsoft Excel, the maximum number of references you can use in a chart series is as follows:

   Microsoft Excel version          Maximum number of references
   ------------------------------------------------------------

   5.0, 7.0                                35
   3.0, 4.0                                17

The number of references contained in a series is determined by adding the number of references in the name_ref, categories, and values arguments in the SERIES formula:

   SERIES(name_ref,categories,values,plot_order)

WORKAROUND

To create a chart that contains more than the maximum number of refrences outlined above, do either of the following:

• Manipulate the worksheet so that information to be charted is more contiguous (that is, move the data closer together so that you have fewer references). -or-
• Copy the data to a new worksheet and chart it from the new worksheet.

KBCategory: kbtool KBSubcategory: Additional reference words: limit limitation maximum messg mesg alert noncontiguous outline 3.00 4.00 4.00a 5.00 7.00 THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Last reviewed: September 13, 1996 ©1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Legal Notices.