Thank you Jon, I didn't know you could do that. A good solution.
Howard

"Jon Peltier" wrote in message
...
Howard -

Unfortunately, Excel doesn't allow you to change the size of a data label
(or a chart title or axis title). They are not true text boxes in this
regard.

You can use regular text boxes in place of data labels. They don't
positions themselves automatically, so you have some work to do.

To add a text box, select the chart, type the label you want, and press
Enter. A textbox appears in the middle of the chart, ready to be formatted
and positioned.

To add a text box that's linked to a worksheet cell, select the chart,
type the equals key, then select the cell with the mouse. This textbox
will update if the cell changes.

- Jon
-------
Jon Peltier, Microsoft Excel MVP
Peltier Technical Services
Tutorials and Custom Solutions
http://PeltierTech.com/
_______


Howard wrote:
I have a horizontal bar chart with labels on each bar. They are
positioned in the centre of the bar. The labels are quite long e.g.
'Marks for the analysis stage of the project', but would easily fit
inside a bar. The trouble is, Excel insists on wrapping the text into a
smaller rectangle so some labels are on two or even three lines and
overlap the top and bottom of the bar.

Can I change the width of the data label box so that the text will fit on
one line?

Howard