Graph average

[whalterman]

How can I insert the average of a line graph into the graph? Not a trend line, but the total average?
Thanks

 

[tusharm]

See
Adding a horizontal line to a chart
http://www.tushar-mehta.com/excel/charts/straight_lines/index.html

Also, Jon Peltier has a different take on the subject. Search www.peltiertech.com.

 

[whalterman]

I meant more like a text box that displays the average. No line, but thanks

 

[tusharm]

In 2003 or earlier, simply click the chart then type = and click in the cell containing the average.

AFAIK, in 2007 this capability has been "depracated." One can still link any chart element (data label or chart title) to a cell but not a text box. It seems that as soon as something becomes a common Office feature, functionality suffers.

To link a data label or a title see
Data Labels
http://www.tushar-mehta.com/excel/newsgroups/data_labels/index.html
and
Dynamic Chart Title
http://www.tushar-mehta.com/excel/newsgroups/dynamic_chart_title/index.html

 

[whalterman]

Okay, that works, but I am inputing data weekly for this graph and I'd like for the text box in the graph with the average to update when I enter a new piece of info. Also, since I am inputing data continuously the columns are becoming very large, and I'd like to have the average at the top of the columns. How can I put the average up there and have it update when I enter a new piece of info.? Rather than at the bottom.
Thanks

 

[tusharm]

Okay, that works, but I am inputing data weekly for this graph and I'd like for the text box in the graph with the average to update when I enter a new piece of info. Also, since I am inputing data continuously the columns are becoming very large, and I'd like to have the average at the top of the columns. How can I put the average up there and have it update when I enter a new piece of info.? Rather than at the bottom.
Thanks

I don't understand either of your questions. If you have linked something in a chart to a cell, the chart display will update when the cell updates.

As far as a cell being at the top rather than at the bottom, a cell is a cell. You can enter the AVERAGE formula in any cell top, bottom, left, right, or any combination thereof.

 

[whalterman]

When the ave. is displayed at the bottom under the column, and I input new data at the bottom of the column, the ave. updates. When I have the ave. at the top using the same block of cells and input new data at the bottom of the coulmn, it does not update the ave. at the top. It puts the little green triangle in the corner of the cell with the average. When I click the drop down menu of the triangle, it gives me the option of "updating the formula to include cells" This then updates the average in the cell. Is this any clearer? I think I have it so it will update the graph with the cell now.
Thanks

 

[Jon Peltier]

Select your data, and convert it to a Table. Then your formula above the table that averages all the rows of the table will update as the table expands.