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Modifying graph (with interval)

  1. #1
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    Modifying graph (with interval)

    I have to put several datas in a graph.
    I have 3 different groups on the y-axis and about 6 on the x-axis.
    Only problem is that 5 of the 6 group on the x-axis have a variable that differs anywhere from 0 to 25 and 1 group that has variables differen from 100 to 5000.

    So basically every variable of the other 5 groups looks like zero because the 5000-variable is so large.

    Anybody knows any possible solutions?
    I was thinking about an interval of the y axis making it ranges from 0 to 25, covering about 75 percent of the graph, and that the rest is from 25 to 5000, covering up the other 25 percent of the size of the y graph ( so like a different scale and interval) .
    Is that possible in Excel and how?
    I'm nothing close to a pro in Excel, one could call me a rookie.

    Thanks a lot in advance!

  2. #2
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    Re: modifying graph (with interval)

    Assuming you are using a scatter plot, I have a couple of suggestions:

    1) Format the X-axis so it uses a logarithmic scale. A logarithmic scale will expand the low values and compress the high values, and should allow the reader to see all the data points. This option will assume that the reader will be able to understand what a logarithmic scale is, and that X is never <=0.

    2) Add a secondary axis. In the Format dialog for the series containing the large numbers, in the "axis" tab, select secondary axis. Excel should automatically add an additional Y-axis scaled to fit the data for the series that are assigned to the secondary axis. Then go into the Chart Options dialog, and tell Excel to also show the secondary X-axis. Then you can scale the two X axes independently so all the data show up the way you want. You will probably also want to give some indication in the series name to indicate which axis each series is assigned to so the reader will know.

    I was thinking about an interval of the y axis making it ranges from 0 to 25, covering about 75 percent of the graph, and that the rest is from 25 to 5000, covering up the other 25 percent of the size of the y graph ( so like a different scale and interval) .
    Is that possible in Excel and how?
    This solution can work. You will have to create a dummy X value for the high value points, a dummy series to serve as the X axis and labels for the X-axis. Search for "broken axis" or something like that, because I know the details for these kinds of solutions are out there.

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