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By default, data that is hidden in rows and columns in the worksheet is not displayed in a chart, and empty cells or null values are displayed as gaps. For most chart types, you can display the hidden data in a chart.

For line, scatter, and radar chart types, you can also change the way that empty cells, and cells that display the #N/A error are displayed in the chart. Instead of displaying empty cells as gaps, you can display empty cells as zero values (0), or you can span the gaps with a line. For #N/A values, you can choose to display those as an empty cell or connect data points with a line. The following examples show Excel’s behavior with each of these options.

Options for showing empty cells

Data missing in Day 4's cell, chart showing a gap in the line
Data missing in Day 4's cell, chart showing corresponding line at zero point
Data missing in Day 4's cell, chart a connection across Day 4

Options for cells with #N/A

#N/A in Day 4's cell, chart showing a gap in the line
#N/A in Day 4's cell, chart showing a connection across Day 4

Change the way that empty cells, null (#N/A) values, and hidden rows and columns are displayed in a chart

  1. Click the chart you want to change.

  2. Go to Chart Tools on the Ribbon, then on the Design tab, in the Data group, click Select Data.

    Excel Ribbon Image

  3. Click Hidden and Empty Cells.

    Excel Charting dialog for Hidden and Empty Cells
  4. In the Show empty cells as: options box, click Gaps, Zero, or Connect data points with line.

    Note: On a scatter chart that displays only markers (without connecting lines), you can display empty cells as gaps or zero only — you cannot connect the data points with a line.

  5. Click the Show #N/A as an empty cell option if you don’t want Excel to plot those points.

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    Notes: 

  6. Click the Show data in hidden rows and columns option if you want Excel to plot hidden data.

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Related Topics

Create a chart from start to finish

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