Get chart to

[RNW]

I'm trying to set up a template that will enable people to graph test scores
given on various dates over a long period of time. This is designed to show
progress over time on these tests.

I've got a table of data with each column being a test, and each row a score
on a certain date.

The graph will have a line for each test, and there will the dates the tests
were given along the X axis. The Y axis will be the score.

To make it easy for the user, I want them to be able to enter the data (by
row) in non-chronogical order. For example:

Date of test: score:
7-5-2007 10
8-6-2008 20
6-4-2005 5

Is there a way to get the chart to put the dates along the X-axis in
chronological order?

Thanks.

 

[Jon Peltier]

If you want each discrete date listed in order, you need to sort the data in
the sheet, and use a line chart with a category scale chart (not date
scale).

- Jon

 

[RNW]

Thanks, Jon.

I see what you are saying. It's not really important that each specific date
be listed on the X-Axis. Only that the dates are in order to show progress
over time. So I've been using a date scale. You are saying that I have to
sort the data first. That's what I was hoping to avoid because I'm trying to
set this up for people who may not be very computer savvy. There's no way to
get Excel to sort the dates when it creates the chart?

Thanks.

 

[Jon Peltier]

If it's a line chart with a date scale, you don't need to sort the data. It
will be plotted left to right according to date, and the points will be
connected according to date, not according to order in the worksheet. An XY
chart will plot the points according to date, but connect them according to
order in the worksheet. See this blog entry for more information:

http://peltiertech.com/WordPress/2008/07/24/order-of-points-in-xy-and-line-charts/

- Jon