plot data on two axis at the same time, metric and english units

[Guest]

I am an engineer and am constantly ploting data in both metric and english
units on the same plot. I would like a way to show multiple scales on both
the y and x axis. Example: A series of data could have values of psi, bar, &
kPa for the y-axis, and ft^3 & meters^3 for the x-axis all on the same chart.
The chart could be a custom style and it could either prompt you for the
column or row the data in other units is in, or it could prompt you for the
scaling factor to multiply the x data by to get to the other units.
Currently, with Excel 2003, I make an XY scatter chart with two series, put
series 2 on the secondary x and Y axis, and manually set the axis scale
values so that the two series lay directly on top of each other, and turn off
the line on one and the points on the other.

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[Guest]

Hi:
I think you can only plot on two axes using the secondary axis as a dummy
axis, like you described. The only way I see to make more axes is by using
overlay charts, but this is pretty elaborative. Maybe the experts have a
more clever way.

Ok, to create an overlay chart, assuming you want a second x-axis under your
normal one, copy the chart, set in this copy what you don't need either to
Transparent, remove or make white (the right choice depends on whether the
plot area or scales adjust if you for instance remove them; if you remove the
data series the chart will be deleted so you need to make this transparant or
colour it as your background colour). Effectively you only keep the axis on
the scale of your choice (so a very empty chart!). Make the plot area a bit
longer (in case of a second x-axis) Now position the "chart" (now effectively
reduced to a floating x-axis) over the original and because it is transparent
the original chart now shows a second x-axis. You may have to trial a bit to
get the desired effect and to line your scale. Of course you can add more
overlays for more axes .... but, hey, this is already complicated enough!

I hope the description is not too complex. The main trick is to keep the
original dimensions and set properties to Transparent. I use this "trick" to
e.g. add gridlines on top of Area charts, or to let gridlines run in front of
columns.

I hope this suggestion is useful.
GL,
Henk
(NB: Keep <Alt> pressed when dragging a chart with the mouse for more
accurate positioning)

 

[Jon Peltier]

It's easier than using overlays. You can use as many dummy series in your
chart (up to 255 or 256 series per chart). Set up one as a secondary axis,
with the appropriate labels. Here are some sample charts with pseudoaxes:

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/ChartIndex.html#AxisScales

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