How to add gridlines in excel: A step-by-step guide

In this article, you'll learn how to add and customize gridlines in Excel charts to make your data visually engaging and easier to interpret. Follow these steps to add, format, and even remove gridlines from your charts.
Sample Data:

Step 1: Select Your Chart

To start, click on a blank area of your chart in Excel. Be sure to click outside any data points or labels, so the entire chart is selected. When the chart border becomes highlighted, it indicates that the chart is ready for editing.

Step 2: Access the Chart Elements Menu

Once your chart is selected, look for the "Chart Elements" button that appears in the upper-right corner of the chart. This button, displayed as a plus sign, allows you to add or customize elements within your chart. Click on this button to open the "Add Chart Elements" menu.

Step 3: Enable Gridlines

In the "Chart Elements" menu, check the "Gridlines" option to add gridlines to your chart. By clicking on the arrow next to the "Gridlines" checkbox, you can further customize the gridlines that appear on your chart.

Step 4: Choose Your Gridline Types

Once gridlines are enabled, you can choose which type to display. Clicking the arrow next to "Gridlines" reveals the following options:

• Primary Major Horizontal
• Primary Major Vertical
• Primary Minor Horizontal
• Primary Minor Vertical

Select any combination of these to best suit your chart's style and enhance data readability.

Step 5: Format Your Gridlines

To refine the appearance of your gridlines, open the "Format Gridlines" panel. Click on the arrow next to the "Gridlines" option again, and select "More Options." This will open the formatting panel on the right side of your worksheet, where you can adjust gridline styles, such as:

• Line – Modify the color, weight, and style of the line.
• Shadow – Add a shadow effect to make gridlines stand out.
• Glow – Apply a glow effect around the gridlines.
• Soft Edges – Soften the gridlines for a subtle look.
  

Step 6: Turning Off Gridlines

To remove gridlines, simply reopen the "Chart Elements" menu and uncheck the "Gridlines" option. This will instantly remove any gridlines from your chart.

By following these steps, you can enhance your Excel charts, making them more visually informative with customized gridlines. Experiment with different formats to see what works best for your data.