Problems with X Axis for a Line Chart

[Guest]

I am trying to create a simple line chart, with the following data:

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

5471 5620 5826 5920 6059

.... but I am unable to generate a chart showing the years (1995, 1996, 1997,
etc.) as labels on the X axis. The chart I end up with interprets the years
as a separate series of data.

Any suggestions?

 

[Guest]

Click once on the series that represents 1995, 1996, 1997, etc. In the
standard toolbar, go to Chart -> Source Data -> Series Tab. On the bottom
right side of the dialog box, you will see a formula series references that
look similar to this:

=Sheet1!$A$2:$C$2

You need to find the reference that corresponds with the 1995, 1996, 1997,
etc. data. Copy that series into the box that says "Category, (X) axis
labels".

After that, delete the original series reference from the values box. You
will see an "Add" and "Remove" button. Select the series reference and hit
the "Remove" button.

 

[Guest]

John - that was 90% of what I needed (very clear instructions, by the way).
How do get the chart to display the year numbers, i.e., 1995, 1996, etc.
along the bottom of the chart, so that the viewer can readily see that value
5471 occurs in 1995; 5620 occurs in 1996 and so on?

 

[Jon Peltier]

Unless I'm asleep, John's suggestion should do this. Are you selecting a
range for the Category Labels input box of the Source Data - Series dialog?

To make it work better for subsequent charts, here's a tip: put a label
in front of the Y values, and keep a blank cell in front of the X
Values. The blank cell helps Excel determine what to use for category
labels and series names:

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Data 5471 5620 5826 5920 6059

or

Data
1995 5471
1996 5620
1997 5826
1998 5920
1999 6059

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