Choosing last set of data in column

E

Erik

How do I choose the last five sets of data in a column. I want to make a
chart that continually updates as I add in data but only with the last five
sets of data. Is this possible with "offset" and how would I do this?

Erik
 
M

Max

Assuming source data (ie numbers) are running in A1 down (data is assumed
continuous with no blank cells)

Select a 5 cell column range, say select B1:B5,
then place in the formula bar:
=OFFSET(INDIRECT("A"&COUNT(A:A)+1),,,-5)
Array-enter the formula by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER
(instead of just pressing ENTER)

B1:B5 will return the last 5 cells in col A.
Plot the graph using B1:B5 as source.
 
T

Toppers

Assuming data is columns A & B:

Create named range e.g MyData

Refers to:

=OFFSET(Sheet1!$A$1,COUNTA(Sheet1!$A:$A)-5,0,5,2)

Use Mydata as your source
 
T

Teethless mama

Assuming your data start in A1 down

=OFFSET($A$1,COUNT(A:A)+ROWS($1:1)-6,0)

copy down
 
G

Gary''s Student

Consider putting your most recent data at the top of the column (pushing
older data down) instead of the bottom.

That way you will always know where the last five sets are.
 
E

Erik

Ok, that worked for that problem but I have another issue. I also want to
choose the last five columns to graph. I have data, 30 cells worth, that I
want to graph in columns but I only want the last five of them also. For
instance, I have graphed data right now in columns K through O with 30 cells
of data in each column. If I put data in column 'P' is there a way to drop
off column K and add column 'P' automatically?
 
T

Toppers

Assuming headings/data in row 1 and NO blanks, then use this for named range:

=OFFSET(Sheet1!$A$1,COUNTA(Sheet1!$A:$A)-5,COUNTA(Sheet1!1:1)-5,5,5)

HTH
 
T

Toppers

Just to clarify: I am assuming P1 is blank UNTIL you add your new data. If P1
has a heading BUT no data, change 1:1 to 2:2 BUT again it assumes NO blanks
from A2 to O2.
 
T

Toppers

It WON'T work if there are blank cells in the row we are counting ..

.... so if cannot use the "column count" approach,

..... how can we determine that your last column was (say) column O?
 
E

Erik

I can put zeros in these columns if necessary, but it still won't work. How
can I chart the last five columns in my worksheet? I have data in colums D
through P but I only want to chart columns L, M, N, O, P. And then when I
put data into Q, I only want to chart columns M, N, O, P, Q. Is this
possible. I can't get your other formaula to work at all. I define the name
with the Insert, Name, Define function and then try to use this name as the
data source but it won't work.
 
T

Toppers

With "headings" in A1 to P1 and D1 to P30 this works for me:

=OFFSET(Sheet1!$A$1,COUNTA(Sheet1!$D:$D)-5,COUNTA(Sheet1!1:1)-5,5,5)

If data in row 1 starts in column D, try:

=OFFSET(Sheet1!$A$1,COUNTA(Sheet1!$D:$D)-5,COUNTA(Sheet1!$1:$1)-2,5,5)
 
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