Note: This article has done its job, and will be retiring soon. To prevent "Page not found" woes, we're removing links we know about. If you've created links to this page, please remove them, and together we'll keep the web connected.

In a chart you create in Excel for the web, axis labels are shown below the horizontal axis and next to the vertical axis. Your chart uses text in the source data for these axis labels.

To change the text of the category labels on the horizontal axis:

  1. Click the cell that has the label text you want to change.

  2. Type the text you want and press Enter.

    The axis labels in the chart are automatically updated with the new text.

Tip:  Axis labels are different from axis titles you can add to describe what is shown on the axes. Axis titles aren’t automatically shown in a chart. To add them, see Add axis titles to a chart.

Remove axis labels from the horizontal axis

  1. Click anywhere in the chart to show the Chart Tools on the ribbon.

  2. Click Chart > Axes.

    Axes button on the Chart tab

  3. Click Primary Horizontal Axis, and pick Show Axis without labeling.

    To show the labels again, pick Show Left to Right Axis or Show Right to Left Axis.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.