Microsoft Knowledge Base

Excel Err Msg: "Series Formula Too Long" When Creating Chart
Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
Article ID: Q121392

The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0, 5.0c
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel, when you attempt to create a chart, you may receive the following error message: 

   Series formula is too long
You receive this message if you try to create a series that contains more than the allowed number of references.

MORE INFORMATION

In Microsoft Excel, the maximum number of references you can use in a chart series is as follows: 

   Microsoft Excel version          Maximum number of references
   ------------------------------------------------------------

   5.0, 7.0                                35
   3.0, 4.0                                17
The number of references contained in a series is determined by adding the number of references in the name_ref, categories, and values arguments in the SERIES formula: 

   SERIES(name_ref,categories,values,plot_order)

WORKAROUND

To create a chart that contains more than the maximum number of refrences outlined above, do either of the following:

  • Manipulate the worksheet so that information to be charted is more contiguous (that is, move the data closer together so that you have fewer references).

    -or-

  • Copy the data to a new worksheet and chart it from the new worksheet.

KBCategory: kbtool
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: limit limitation maximum messg mesg alert
noncontiguous outline 3.00 4.00 4.00a 5.00 7.00



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Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
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