X axis in column chart

[aimee209]

When I create a column chart, on the x-axis I have dates (30-Sep-04,
30-Sep-05 and 30-Sep-06) that repeat. (It's a double x axis where I have
different office codes and the dates are shown for each office). When I
first create it, the dates display nicely in a vertical orientation.
However, when I add in the data table, it turns the dates all horizontal and
cuts them off (all I see then is the 30-S). Any help on how to fix this?
Thank you

 

[Jon Peltier]

Data tables can mess up your chart. If there's little enough data to make a
data table legible, you have to ask yourself whether you even need a chart.
And in any case, you need to ask whether the data table itself is really
necessary, or could you use a standalone table in the cells near the chart.

- Jon

 

[aimee209]

The data table only has two rows. With values ranging from 0-1200, it's a
little difficult to see what the value are since that would mean putting in a
lot of gridlines. The table allows you to see exactly what the values are
for easy comparison.

 

[Jon Peltier]

You've demonstrated how the data table clutters up the chart. You could
instead put data labels on the series (which adds its own clutter), or you
could make an independent table which is not integral to the chart. Do you
really gain any understanding in the reader by having the table integral
with the chart, or does it just "look nicer" (except for the messed up
labels)?

- Jon