Forum Discussion

MollySB's avatar
MollySB
Copper Contributor
Apr 21, 2026

Adding Error Bars to a Graph

I created a bar chart and it wonʻt give me any option to add error bars. This is my first time using this new excel format, and I donʻt know where to go for the error bars. I have tried to google it and watch videos but all the instructions and tutorials are for different excel versions. 

Charting
Excel on Mac

2 Replies

  • Olufemi7's avatar
    Olufemi7
    Iron Contributor
    Apr 23, 2026

    Hello MollySB​,

    Steps:

    Click your chart
    Click the + button next to it
    Check Error Bars
    Use the arrow to pick a type or More Options

    Or

    Click the chart
    Go to Chart Design
    Click Add Chart Element
    Select Error Bars

    If you don’t see Error Bars:

    Use a supported chart type like bar, column, line, or scatter
    Check that your data is numeric
    If using Excel for the web, switch to the desktop app for full options

    Add, change, or remove error bars in a chart

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Platinum Contributor
    Apr 22, 2026

    Since you're using a new version of Excel on a Mac, the option to add error bars has moved from the old Format dialog to the Chart Design tab. Here is how to locate it:

     1. Check Your Chart Type and Selection
    First, ensure that your bar chart is selected (you should see the border/anchors around it). Error bars are not supported on all chart types; they work for standard 2D bar and column charts but are often unavailable for 3D charts or pie charts .

     2. The Correct Menu Path
    Instead of right-clicking the bars, use the Ribbon at the top of the screen:

    • Click on the Chart Design tab in the top menu (this tab only appears when the chart is selected) .
    • On the far left side of the ribbon, click Add Chart Element.
    • Hover over Error Bars and select More Error Bars Options... .

     3. If "More Options" is Still Missing
    If you still don't see it, this is a known bug that often resolves by ensuring the app is fully updated. Please go to the top menu bar and click Help > Check for Updates to install the latest version of Microsoft 365, as older versions had this option hidden .

     4. A Temporary Workaround
    Some users have reported that if the option simply refuses to appear in a specific file, creating a brand new blank workbook and re-creating the chart often causes the "More Options" button to reappear .

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.