Thread: Creating line graphs to show a principle not actual values

I'm an economics student just recently getting more into excel. I know how to create a line graph based on plotting in values. But I want to create a line graph that has no values along the X and Y axis. Basically I want an X and Y axis with names (Y being output per capita and X being capital per capita) and being able to draw the graph myself. It is just to show a principle, not to be able to read off actual values. Is this not possible in Excel?

thanks a lot

you can use dummy data to create the graph i.e. use values to create the graph

then simply click on the graphs and hide the axes.
hide data labels if necessary.

If this doesn't work for you, then you probably have to draw an image which you might as well just do in paint/powerpoint using thee different line shapes.

Originally Posted by 6StringJazzer

I agree with the dummy data angle; if it's a straight line you just need two data points.

But emilieik wants to show the axes, just not the values along the axis. Right-click on the axis, select Format Axis, select Axis Options from the left menu, then go to Axis Labels and select None. This will suppress the numbers while leaving the actual axis and label intact.

Hiding data labels will only hide the numeric values of the data. Data labels are not shown by default, anyway. You want to hide the markers. In Excel 2007, simply create the chart with a chart type that uses lines with no data markers.

thanks. that was what i was trying to say.. to hide the values on the axis, not necessarily the axis itself.

thanks a lot for the help I will try to follow your instructions