XL2000: How to Break Links Between a Chart and a Worksheet

In Microsoft Excel, a chart can be unlinked from its corresponding worksheet by converting the references in the series formula to values.

To convert all the references in the series formula to values, follow these steps:

1. Make sure both documents are open.
2. Click the series that you want to convert.
3. Click the formula bar to activate it.
4. Hold down the CTRL key, and then press the equal sign (=).
   
   NOTE: Pressing F9 is equivalent to using these key combinations.
5. Press ENTER to enter the new unlinked formula.

If the chart has more than one series, follow the preceding steps for each series.

To convert only some of the references to their values, select only those references in the series formula, and then press CTRL+= (as in step 4).

NOTE: Replacing the references in the series formula with actual values may cause the length of the series formula to increase dramatically. If the length overflows the formula limit in Excel, you receive the following error message:

Converting references to values prevents the following message from appearing when you reopen a chart without the worksheet open. Doing this also allows you to edit the information on the worksheet without changing previously created graphs.

You can use the Delete Links Wizard to remove links in your workbook. For additional information about the Delete Links Wizard (Windows only), click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: