Changing the Axis Scale

Summary: When you create a chart that uses an axis, Excel makes best-guess estimation of what the scale should be that is applied to the axis. You can override Excel's decisions by following the steps outlined in this tip. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

Excel includes an impressive graphing capability that can turn the dullest data into outstanding charts, complete with all sorts of whiz-bang do-dads to amaze your friends and confound your enemies. While Excel can automatically handle many of the mundane tasks associated with turning raw data into a chart, you may still want to change some elements of your chart.

For instance, you may want to change the scale Excel uses along an axis of your chart. (The scale automatically chosen by Excel may not represent the entire universe of possibilities you want conveyed in your chart.) You can change the scale used by Excel by following these steps:

Right-click on the axis whose scale you want to change. Excel displays a Context menu for the axis.
Choose Format Axis from the Context menu. (If there is no Format Axis choice, then you did not right-click on an axis in step 1.) Excel displays the Format Axis dialog box.
Make sure the Scale tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.) (In Excel 2007, make sure Axis Options is clicked at the left of the dialog box.)
Adjust the scale settings, as desired.
Click on OK.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3031) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Changing the Axis Scale