Ampler Charts lets you switch what a series’ labels show — the value, each segment’s share of the total as a %, or the series name.
Quick answer: Select the labels (Shift + left-click from first to last), click Label content, and select % to show each segment’s share of the total, or Series to show the series name.
How to use it
Switch labels to show %, series name, or value.
- Select the first label, hold Shift and left-click the last label.
- Click Label content and select % to show each segment’s share of the total.
- Select Series to show the series name in all the labels.
The labels then show what you choose — the value, the % share of the total, or the series name.
When to use it
Show labels as a % to make each segment’s share of the total explicit (a part-to-whole chart), or as the series name to identify series directly instead of using a legend.
How consultants use it
What a label shows changes the chart’s story — a value, a share, or an identity. Three habits apply:
- Part-to-whole with %: segment labels as a % make each part’s share explicit
- Identify with the series name: showing the name labels series directly, no legend needed
- Chosen for the message: the content is set to what the exhibit needs to say
Changing label content frames a series the way the message needs.
Tips & best practices
- Use % labels for a part-to-whole story.
- Use series-name labels to avoid a legend when there are few series.
- Keep the choice consistent across comparable charts.
Availability
Part of Ampler Charts, included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you show percentages on a stacked chart in PowerPoint?
Select the labels in Ampler Charts, click Label content, and choose % to show each segment’s share of the column total.
How do you show series names as labels instead of a legend?
Click Label content and select Series, so each label shows the series name — a direct alternative to a legend.
Should labels show the value or the percentage?
Use the value when the magnitude is the point and the percentage when each part’s share of the total is the point.
Can you switch labels back to values?
Yes. Use Label content to switch between value, %, and series name at any time.