Chart with wide range of data

[Poh]

Hi
I had a line chart displaying wide range of data
Example:
Training Expenses
DeptA 100,000
DeptB 2,000
DeptC 150
DeptD 5,000

Tried to plot DeptA data in 2nd axis but feel that it is
not easy to understand the chart cus there is a large gap
between DeptA and DeptC data.
Appreciate if anyone could advise or suggest better way
of plotting this chart.
TIA

 

[Jon Peltier]

Conventional wisdom suggests using a log scale, but you're still have a
wide span across all the data. Also, most people who read figures about
training expenses for different departments are not well versed in
logarithmic numbers. Another issue is that the ratio of 150 to 5000 is
similar to the ratio of 5000 to 100,000. This makes it tricky deciding
where to divide the data.

I have an example on my web site that shows how to get a split Y axis
type of effect, if you're up for a challenge. I think my first cut would
be to plot A above the split and the other three below, and see how it
looks.

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/BrokenYAxis.html

- Jon
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Jon Peltier, Microsoft Excel MVP
Peltier Technical Services
Tutorials and Custom Solutions
http://PeltierTech.com/
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