Adding formula to a text box in a chart

**thb** · 10-07-2011, 01:49 PM

Hello!

I'm trying to add a text box to a chart that will update when I change a cell (that will link to the text box).

Example: Cell A26 holds a drop down validation. If I choose "apples" in the drop down in cell A26, I then want a text box in a chart to say "apples".

Another way of putting it, I would like to make a Chart Title that automatically updates when this drop-down validation in Cell A26 is changed.

Any suggestions? (Also, I specified Excel 2011 because it seems like older Excel versions were able to just "Insert Text Box" and type in a formula, like "=A26" but that doesn't seem to work with Excel 2011. So far, I've gone to Insert Text Box, then I cut and pasted the text box onto my chart so that it moves with the chart, but I can't get a formula to work in that text box.)

Thanks!

**6StringJazzer** · 10-08-2011, 03:30 PM

There are two kinds of text boxes. What kind are you using? If you are using a "shape" then you might want to try a "control" instead.

This is based on Excel 2007 but I think it should also work in 2011. From the Developer tab on the ribbon, select Controls, Design Mode, Insert, then in the bottom half (ActiveX) select Text Box and create your text box. Then right click on the text box to see properties. Select LinkedCell and enter the cell that you want to link it to.