adjusting intervals in bar chart

[not-an-expert]

I am charting information that compares 7 different data sets for 12 different groups. Some of the numbers in the data are high, and others low. The chart graphs equal intervals on the y axis for the numbers: from 0 to 900. I would like to be able to adjust the visualization of 0-100 so that the smaller numbers can be perceived (they are not even visible), even though the interval between 0-100 would not be the same graphically as between 100-900. A "realistic" representation of the data is not necessary; it is more useful to compare things impressionistically since the data will accompany the bar chart.

Can I "pull up" the bar for 100 so that the representation of numbers between 0 and 100 is larger? Better yet, is it possible to add a new number 50, and pull it up so amounts between 0 and 50 are magnified?

[MrShorty]

The easiest choice would probably be to format the y axis as a "logarithmic axis" -- a simple checkbox in the format axis dialog.

Just about any other approach I can see would be some variation of Jon Peltier's "arbitrary axis" technique. An example of this technique is here: http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/...lityChart.html Note how he creates a "dummy series" to serve as the axis, then labels that series (using Rob Bovey's XY chart labeler add-in), then hides Excel's default axis, to create an arbitrary axis.

[not-an-expert]

Thanks for the response. This is a little too complex for me. I don't use excel very much and this is a one-off visualization. I just hoped I could grab the y-axis number and pull it upwards so that it would magnify the data from 0-100. alas, not possible. :-)

[Andy Pope]

what you describe in not unit in. You could search for broken Y axis though for example work arounds.

or use log scale

Or consider using 2 charts to display the sets of similar data.
Or combine 2 sets in a single dual axis chart

[not-an-expert]

Thanks all! I am very much not an expert, don't understand numbers and the vocabulary used to describe this situation :-) I'm already making several visualizations so I'll just include one that is not visually useful but has all the data, and let the raw numbers themselves do the talking. I am the lowest common denominator poster that even moderately-skilled people laugh at :-) I avoid spreadsheets whenever possible!

[not-an-expert]

Oh, Peltier is obviously an awesome resource. It may as well be Klingon for all the sense I can make of it, but clearly his power over the spreadsheet is phenomenal.