Excel: How to add max or min line to a chart

Adding max or min lines to an Excel chart can make it easier to identify the highest or lowest values at a glance. This tutorial provides step-by-step guidance on how to add these lines manually using helper columns or automatically with Kutools for Excel, making your charts more insightful and visually clear.

Add max and min line to chart by using helper columns

Add max and min line to chart by Kutools for Excel's Chart Tool

To add a max or min line to a chart, firstly, you need to find the maximum value and the minimum value of the original data.

1. Select a blank cell next to the data, type the following formula, and then press "Enter" to get the maximum.

=MAX($B$2:$B$21)

Tip: Since we need to find the maximum value in the same range, absolute reference ensures the range remains unchanged when you drag the autofill handle down or right.

2. Then select this formula cell, drag the autofill handle down to the end of the data.

3. Then right-click on the chart to show the context menu, and click "Select Data".

4. In the "Select Data Source" dialog, click "Add" button.

5. In the "Edit Series" dialog, select the cell to shown the series name, then select the cells that contain MAX function you have done in step 1 and 2. Click "OK" > "OK".

Now the max values have been added into the chart.

6. Right-click at the added maximum values in the chart, and select "Change Series Chart Type" from the context menu.

7. In the "Change Chart Type" window, go to "Choose the chart type and axis for your data series" section, and click the drop-down list to change the chart type to "Line" for the "Max" series. Click "OK".

Now the max line has been added to the chart.

Use the following formula and repeat the above steps to add the min line to the chart.

=MIN($B$2:$B$21)

If you have "Kutools for Excel" installed, there is a feature "Add Line to Chart" in the "Chart Tools", which can quickly add a line to the selected chart.

1. Select the chart you want to add max or min line, then click "Kutools" > "Chart" > "Chart Tools" > "Add Line to Chart".

2. In the "Add line to chart" dialog, check "Other values" option, and type the maximum or minimum value in the textbox. Click "Ok".

Now the maximum line or minimum line has been inserted to the chart. 

Repeat the above steps to add another line.

To learn more about how to use the "Add Line to Chart" feature in Kutools for Excel, please visit our detailed tutorial.