Numbers - Adding Target Data on Line Charts

Question

Level 1

13 points

Numbers - Adding Target Data on Line Charts

I am graphing lab results in Numbers and want to include the target values for each result.

For example, on the chart below, the values and blue line were pulled from a Numbers table. I would like to add the target values, which are indicated by the red lines (that I drew in with Shapes). This will give a visual to patients as to how well (or not) they are doing.

How can I incorporate these target values into either the data table or add to the chart?

Thank you for any assistance you have to share.

Mac mini, macOS 15.6

Posted on Aug 30, 2025 04:24 AM

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Answer 1

Badunit

Level 7

29,880 points

Aug 30, 2025 06:06 AM in response to Ltlmrs

With the chart selected, go to the sidebar on the right, choose the "Axis" tab, click on the "Value (Y)" button then look down to where it says "reference line". Add a reference line, choose "custom", type in a number.

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Answer 2

SGIII

Level 8

37,202 points

Aug 30, 2025 06:16 AM in response to Ltlmrs

You can add what are called Reference Lines.

If your dates are at uneven intervals (as appears from your example) then you probably should use a 2D Scatter chart instead of a 2D Line chart. To do that you want to make sure the left column is not a Header Column.

To add the connection line for a series in a 2D Scatter, click it in the chart, and go to Style tab in the inspector at the right.

SG

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Answer 3

Ltlmrs Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 30, 2025 07:01 AM in response to SGIII

Thank you. I will give this a try.

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