A chart can include the right cells but interpret the wrong row as headers or use the wrong axis labels. Inspect Setup before editing legend text manually.
Review the selected data
Double-click the chart and open Setup. Inspect Data range and every series. Confirm the range includes required data and excludes unrelated notes or total rows.
Check the intended label column and whether its values are actual categories or numeric measures. An extra index column can accidentally become a series instead of an axis label.
Set headers and orientation
Use the appropriate row-as-headers option and inspect Switch rows / columns. These controls affect how the chart interprets the table, not just how the legend is worded.
Choose a chart type suitable for the relationship being shown. A categorical comparison and a numeric-coordinate comparison do not necessarily use the same interpretation of the horizontal axis.
Verify individual plotted records
Compare a known source value with its plotted point or bar. Check the first and last category, each series label, and any newly added records. Inspect whether a header or subtotal was plotted as data.
Do not fix a mislabeled series solely by typing a new legend title while leaving the wrong source range attached. Keep units and period visible in the chart’s titles. If the source schema changes, review the chart configuration again rather than assuming it follows header meaning automatically. A polished chart can still communicate the wrong measure when setup points at a neighboring column with similar-looking values, so verify the underlying records before adjusting colors or fonts.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.