5 Ways to Remove Charts from Excel Sheets

Here’s a guide on the top five methods to remove charts from your Excel sheets with ease:

Method 1: Using the Delete Key

Removing charts can be as simple as selecting and pressing the delete key:

1. Click on the chart to select it. A border and selection handles will appear.
2. Press the Delete key on your keyboard. The chart is instantly removed.

🗒️ Note: This method permanently deletes the chart without the possibility of an undo if not saved.

Method 2: Right-Click Deletion

Offering a bit more control, the right-click method is straightforward:

• Right-click on the chart, which activates a context menu.
• Select Cut or Delete from the options. The chart will be removed.

Using Cut allows for chart placement elsewhere if not permanently deleted by saving or using other commands.

Method 3: Chart Tools Ribbon

Accessing the Chart Tools ribbon provides a specific method for chart removal:

• Select the chart to access the Chart Tools at the top of the screen.
• Go to the Design tab within Chart Tools.
• Click on Delete Chart if available or use Delete.

While this method is less common due to its dependency on newer Excel versions, it’s direct for those who have access.

Method 4: VBA Macro for Multiple Charts

VBA offers a powerful way to remove charts efficiently:

Sub DeleteAllCharts()
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    Dim ch As ChartObject

For Each ws In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets
    For Each ch In ws.ChartObjects
        ch.Delete
    Next ch
Next ws


End Sub

This macro sweeps through all sheets in a workbook, deleting each chart found. Remember, this method permanently deletes charts with no undo option.

🗒️ Note: Running macros requires enabling them through Excel’s settings, and these actions are irreversible without backups.

Method 5: Clear All Content

For an all-encompassing solution, clearing the entire worksheet can be done:

1. Select the entire worksheet by pressing Ctrl+A.
2. Right-click on the selection and choose Clear Contents.

This method also removes all data and formatting, which might not be desirable in all situations.

To summarize, these five methods cover a range of approaches to chart removal in Excel, from the most direct to macro-enabled for bulk operations. Choose the method that aligns with your needs, whether it’s simplicity, efficiency, or working with multiple charts at once. Remember to consider the implications of each method, particularly for irreversible deletions, and always have backups ready.

Is there a way to recover a chart after using the Delete key?

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No, once a chart is deleted using the Delete key, it’s gone unless you have a backup of the worksheet. Undo functions typically only work if you haven’t performed any other action or saved the workbook.

How do I delete multiple charts without using VBA?

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If you want to delete multiple charts without VBA, you can manually select each chart (holding down Ctrl to select more than one) and press Delete. Alternatively, use the Clear All Content method but remember this will also delete other content.

Can I restore charts deleted by VBA?

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Typically, charts deleted by a VBA macro are permanently removed. Ensure to backup your workbook before running any macro or have an undo macro in place to mitigate accidental deletions.

Why isn’t the “Delete Chart” option available on my Chart Tools ribbon?

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This option might not be available in older versions of Excel or if the chart was created using a template where this option isn’t part of the ribbon customization. You can always use the Delete key or the Cut option to remove charts.