Thread: Scientific plotting, non-zero x-axis origin, and number labeling

I want to plot some spectroscopy data. The range of x-data (wavelength) is
from 270 to 1100 nm. However, I would like the x-axis lablels to read only
300, 400, etc., rather than 270, 370, 470... Is there any way in Excel 2003
or later to change the position on the axis where number labeling begins? I
know this is possible in other plotting programs, but would prefer Excel for
student use. Thanks for any help one way or the other.

"Viterbo Mike" <Viterbo Mike@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6A5A6621-40A9-4034-8612-02F12A7F1AA2@microsoft.com...
>I want to plot some spectroscopy data. The range of x-data (wavelength) is
> from 270 to 1100 nm. However, I would like the x-axis lablels to read only
> 300, 400, etc., rather than 270, 370, 470... Is there any way in Excel
> 2003
> or later to change the position on the axis where number labeling begins?
> I
> know this is possible in other plotting programs, but would prefer Excel
> for
> student use. Thanks for any help one way or the other.

Change the X-axis minimum from 270 to 200.
--
David Biddulph

Viterbo Mike -

Arrange data with X in a column on the left and Y on the right. Select both
and use the Chart Wizard to create an XY (Scatter) chart type. Select the X
axis and choose Format | Axis | Scale etc.

- Mike
www.mikemiddleton.com


"Viterbo Mike" <Viterbo Mike@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6A5A6621-40A9-4034-8612-02F12A7F1AA2@microsoft.com...
>I want to plot some spectroscopy data. The range of x-data (wavelength) is
> from 270 to 1100 nm. However, I would like the x-axis lablels to read only
> 300, 400, etc., rather than 270, 370, 470... Is there any way in Excel
> 2003
> or later to change the position on the axis where number labeling begins?
> I
> know this is possible in other plotting programs, but would prefer Excel
> for
> student use. Thanks for any help one way or the other.
>
>

But if you want to start the axis at 270, and still show your ticks at
300-400-500, you can use this technique:

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/ArbitraryAxis.html

In your case it's pretty easy. You don't need special labels, just use the
category value labels, one of the defaults.

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

"Mike Middleton" <middleton@mikemiddleton.com> wrote in message
news:%23Y6pzxqdGHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Viterbo Mike -
>
> Arrange data with X in a column on the left and Y on the right. Select
> both and use the Chart Wizard to create an XY (Scatter) chart type. Select
> the X axis and choose Format | Axis | Scale etc.
>
> - Mike
> www.mikemiddleton.com
>
>
> "Viterbo Mike" <Viterbo Mike@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6A5A6621-40A9-4034-8612-02F12A7F1AA2@microsoft.com...
>>I want to plot some spectroscopy data. The range of x-data (wavelength) is
>> from 270 to 1100 nm. However, I would like the x-axis lablels to read
>> only
>> 300, 400, etc., rather than 270, 370, 470... Is there any way in Excel
>> 2003
>> or later to change the position on the axis where number labeling begins?
>> I
>> know this is possible in other plotting programs, but would prefer Excel
>> for
>> student use. Thanks for any help one way or the other.
>>
>>
>
>