Stock chart not available

Question

I am trying to create an Open-High-Low-Close stock chart in Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, Version 2602). I have arranged my data in the right order and tried both vertical and horizontal data alignment but the OK button in Insert Chart remains grayed out. Has this graph been deprecated or something?

Answer 1

Dear @2pez,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand that you're having trouble creating an Open-High-Low-Close stock chart in Excel. As a forum moderator, I genuinely wish I could directly access your account or delve into the backend systems to diagnose and fix this for you. However, our role here is limited to providing general guidance and solutions that can be applied by users.  

I attempted to replicate the issue on my end, but I was able to insert a stock chart without any problems. A few things to check:

• Did you select a 4-column range or a 5-column range for your data? (Excel requires 4 columns for Open, High, Low, and Close values.)
• Please check your data to ensure there are no numbers aligned to the left. This indicate that the data is formatted as text, which will prevent the stock chart from being generated properly.
• If possible, could you share a screenshot of the issue you’re experiencing? Just a quick note: When capturing the screenshot, please ensure you mask or obscure any sensitive personal information, such as full names, email addresses, or specific subjects, before posting it on this public forum.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. I look forward to your reply so we can continue working together to resolve the issue.

Answer 2

Stock charts have not been deprecated; they are still available in current Excel versions, including Microsoft 365.

For a stock chart to be enabled, Excel requires the data to be structured exactly as a valid stock chart expects. If the structure does not match, the stock chart type will be disabled and the OK button in the Insert Chart dialog can remain grayed out.

For an Open-High-Low-Close stock chart specifically, the data must be in this order:

1. A label column (typically dates or names)
2. Open values
3. High values
4. Low values
5. Close values

All series must be numeric, and the order is mandatory. The data can be arranged in columns or rows, but the sequence (label + Open, High, Low, Close) must be correct.

If any of the following are true, the chart option will not be available:

• Missing one of the required series (e.g., no Open or no Close column)
• Series are out of order (e.g., High-Low-Close-Open)
• Non-numeric values in the OHLC columns
• Extra blank rows/columns included in the selection

To resolve:

1. Arrange the data in the worksheet as:
   • Column A: Date (or name)
   • Column B: Open
   • Column C: High
   • Column D: Low
   • Column E: Close
2. Select only this data range (including the label column).
3. Go to Insert → Recommended Charts or Insert → Other Charts → Stock and choose the Open-High-Low-Close subtype.

If the data is correctly structured as above, the stock chart type should become available and the OK button should no longer be grayed out.

---

References:

• Available chart types in Office
• Select data for a chart
• Arrange data for specific types of charts in Excel for Mac
• Create a chart in Excel for Mac
• When should I use a SmartArt graphic and when should I use a chart?
• Add or remove series lines, drop lines, high-low lines, or up-down bars in a chart