Select data to make a chart in Numbers on Mac

In Numbers, charts are created using data from a table. To create any type of chart, you can select the data first, then create a chart that displays the data. When you change the data in the table, the chart updates automatically.

Select the data before creating your chart

Select the table cells with the data you want to use. If you want to add data from an entire row or column, click the table, then click the number or letter for that row or column.
You can select cells from one or more tables, including tables on different sheets. When you edit a chart’s data references, an icon appears on the tab for any sheet that contains data used in the chart.
If the data in your table is categorised, you can also select a column to plot the results of a summary row calculation.
Note: To chart individual data points in a categorised table, make sure the first cell you select is not in a summary row. If the selection includes a group that’s collapsed, only data from the visible groups is plotted.
Click , then click 2D, 3D or Interactive.
Click the left and right arrows to see more style options.
Click a chart or drag it to the sheet.
If you add a 3D chart, you see at its centre. Drag this control to adjust the chart’s orientation.
To change whether rows or columns are plotted as a data series, click Edit Data References, then click the pop-up menu in the bar at the bottom of the window and choose an option.
Click Done in the bar at the bottom of the window.

Select cells in a pivot table to create a pivot chart

When you create a pivot chart, you can plot different data (such as Grand Totals) based on the cells you select. The pivot chart below displays the values in the Total rows (Electric and Manual) in the pivot table.

A pivot table showing summarised data and controls to disclose certain data.

A pivot chart showing plotted data from the Total rows in the pivot table above.

Select a cell (such as a Total or Grand Total cell) that includes the values you want to plot.
Click ; click 2D, 3D, or Interactive; then click a chart.
Click the left and right arrows to see more style options.

You can adjust the data reflected in the chart at any time. To learn how, see Modify chart data in Numbers on Mac.

Helpful?

Numbers User Guide for Mac

Select data to make a chart in Numbers on Mac

Select the data before creating your chart

Select cells in a pivot table to create a pivot chart