How to Delete Legend in Excel Without Changing Margins

Excel's "Chart Tools" can remove a chart legend.

Microsoft Excel 2010 can remove a chart's legend to draw more attention to the plot area. The chart area without the legend will appear more stream-lined to your viewers. Use the “Layout” tab on the “Chart Tools” to adjust the legend. If a legend overlays the plot area, the margins of the plot area do not change when the legend disappears.

Instructions

1. Open the Excel chart.

2. Click the chart area. The “Chart Tools” ribbon appears.

3. Click the “Layout” tab on the “Chart Tools” ribbon.

4. Click the arrow for the “Legend” button in the “Labels” group. A list of options appears.

5. Click “None.” The legend hides from view.

Tips & Warnings

• If the legend is between the plot area and the chart area, the margins will shift as the legend disappears. If the plot area expands, click in the plot area to display the sizing handles on the outline. Point over the handle to display a double arrow symbol. Click and drag the border to the original or preferred position.

• Right-click the legend to display options. Click “Delete.” The legend disappears.

References

• Microsoft Office: Excel 2010, Step 4: Show or Hide a Legend