Add or delete charts

In Numbers, you can’t type data directly into a blank chart; rather, chart data comes from tables that already have data.

There are two ways to create a chart. You can add a blank chart, then select the table cells with the data you want to use. Or, you can select table cells first, then create a chart that displays the data. Either way, when you change the data in the table, the chart updates automatically.

You can import a spreadsheet with charts from Microsoft Excel or Numbers for Mac. The imported spreadsheet might be somewhat different from the original. For example, if an imported chart has trendlines or error bars, you won’t be able to edit them or add new ones.

Tip: To see examples of different chart types, explore the Charting Basics template in Numbers. In the spreadsheet manager, tap Create Spreadsheet, then tap the Basic template category and tap Charting Basics. Each sheet explains a different type of chart.

Create a new chart then add data

Tap , then tap .
Tap 2D, 3D, or Interactive, then tap a chart to add it.
Swipe to see more options for each type of chart.
Drag the chart to where you want it on the sheet.
Tap the chart, then select the table cells with the data you want to use. To add data from an entire row or column, tap the bar for that row or column.
You can select cells in one or more tables, including tables on different sheets. While you’re editing a chart’s data references, an icon appears on the tab for any sheet that contains data used in the chart.
To change whether rows or columns are plotted as data series, tap in the toolbar, then tap an option.
Tap Done in the toolbar.

You can adjust the data range reflected in the chart at any time. To learn how, see Modify chart data references.

Use existing data to create a chart

Select the table cells with the data you want to use. To add data from an entire row or column, tap the table, then tap the bar for that row or column.
Tap Create Chart, tap 2D, 3D, or Interactive, then tap a chart to add it.
Swipe to see more options for each type of chart.
Drag the chart to where you want it on the sheet.
To change whether rows or columns are plotted as data series, tap the chart, tap Edit References, tap in the toolbar, then tap an option.
Tap Done in the toolbar.

You can adjust the data range reflected in the chart at any time. To learn how, see Modify chart data references.

Delete a chart

Tap the chart, then tap Delete.

Deleting the table data you used to create the chart doesn’t delete the chart; it simply clears the chart of all data.