Surface Chart

[Jeff]

I'm trying to make a surface chart with a set of data. I
have two variables and an outcome. So I have a set of
data with three columns....variable 1, variable 2 and
outcome. I varied the first and second variables and
measured the resulting outcome. Does anyone know how to
enter this into an excel chart so that I can get a surface
chart? I want to know what combinations of variables
result in the ideal outcome. Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Jon Peltier]

Jeff -

You need to set up a rectangular table, with variable 1 as row headers
(in the first column) and variable 2 as column headers (in the first
row). The cell at the intersection of the headers is blank. The table
looks like this:

A B C D E
a 1 1 2 3 4
b 1 2 3 3 4
c 1 2 3 4 4
d 2 3 3 4 5
e 3 3 4 5 5

This means you must have one data point for each cell in the matrix.
The two input variables are not allowed to vary wherever they may, so
you will not get a 3-D XYZ scatter chart.

If you want to make your chart anyway, select this range, and use the
chart wizard to make a surface/contour chart.

- Jon