What is the default horizontal alignment for a newly inserted chart in Word?

john Jones 20 Reputation points
2026-06-25T03:55:56.4966667+00:00

Hi Microsoft Support Team,

I would like to confirm the default horizontal alignment behavior when inserting a chart in Microsoft Word.

My main questions:

  • When I insert a chart via Insert → Chart, what is its default horizontal alignment? Is it left-aligned, center-aligned, or does it depend on other factors?
  • I understand that charts are inserted as "In Line with Text" objects by default. Does this mean the chart simply inherits the paragraph alignment of the current paragraph (e.g., left-aligned if the Normal style is left-aligned)? Or does the chart object have its own independent default alignment setting?
  • Does the cursor position within the line affect the chart's alignment? For example:
    1. If my cursor is at the beginning of a new line (leftmost position), will the inserted chart be left-aligned?
    2. If my cursor is at the end of a right-aligned line (rightmost position), will the inserted chart be right-aligned?
    3. In other words, does the chart's alignment depend on where the cursor is placed within the paragraph, or does it only depend on the paragraph alignment setting of that paragraph?
    4. If the default behavior has changed across different Word versions, could you clarify the behavior for Word 365 / Word 2016?

I would appreciate an official confirmation. Thank you!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Kai-H 27,135 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-06-25T08:49:25.21+00:00

Hi, john Jones

In Word, a chart inserted through Insert > Chart is normally placed as an inline object, meaning Word treats it much like a large character sitting in the current paragraph, not as a separately positioned floating object. So its horizontal position is mainly controlled by the paragraph alignment where the cursor is placed.

If the current paragraph is left-aligned, the chart will appear left-aligned. If the paragraph is centered, the chart will be centered. If it is right-aligned, the chart will follow that too. The exact cursor position inside the paragraph is not what decides the alignment. What matters is the paragraph’s alignment setting.

So, placing the cursor at the end of a right-aligned paragraph does not make the chart right-aligned because of the cursor’s physical position. It is right-aligned because that paragraph is right-aligned. This behavior is generally the same in Word 2016 and Word 365. If needed, it is recommended that you select the chart’s paragraph and use Home > Paragraph alignment buttons to set it manually.

Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

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