Exel chart not showing data

Hi Robert, this is Kimberly, an independent advisor, I'm glad to assist you today.

Most likely these are the causes, check below:

1. Zero or Negative Values in Log Charts

Logarithmic scales cannot plot zero or negative values. Excel treats them as errors and removes them silently. Ensure your source data has only positive values:

Replace zeros with small positive numbers (e.g., 0.01) or #N/A using a formula like

=IF(A2>0, A2, NA())

This way, Excel skips invalid points without errors.

2. Check Data Stored as Text

If numbers are stored as text—even if they look numeric—the chart will show blank. Fix by:

Converting cells to Number format, or

Using the VALUE() function:

=VALUE(B2)

Then re-plot.

3. Hidden Rows/Columns or Object Settings

Excel may hide chart elements when source data is hidden or when object display is disabled:

Go to Chart → Select Data → Hidden & Empty Cells, then enable:

"Show data in hidden rows and columns"

Also check File → Options → Advanced → Display options for this workbook and set “For objects, show: All”.

4. Dynamic Ranges vs Static Data

If you frequently add data, but your chart isn't updating:

Convert your data range into an official Excel Table (Ctrl + T); charts based on tables auto-expand.

Alternatively, use dynamic named ranges with OFFSET() and COUNTA(), then reference these in the chart.

Should you have questions, please let me know.

Best regards,

Kimberly