First graph ever--How do I tweek a line graph

**mrl** · 08-17-2012, 04:42 PM

Hi
I'm using Excel 2010
Ive been asked to make a simple line graph. I've never done a graph before.
I did a search for excel graphs and came up with a few sites that show how, BUT each site shows a different way and none have a spot to ask questions.

I was able to finally get a graph made (mostly by trail and error and a lot of cuss words) that shows pretty much what I want but I don't know how to have the line start at the y axis instead of 2 gridelines the the right.
The y axis are dollar values and the x axis are dates. I hope I'm calling the axises by the right names.. Y being the vertical and the x being the horizontal.

Until I can get more "graphing" experience, I don't know what terms to use

Mike

**Andy Pope** · 08-18-2012, 05:56 AM

For information on chart, termonolgy and how to see,
http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/ex...356.aspx?CTT=1

If you post an example that you have created we can also try and help with your specific problem.

**mrl** · 08-18-2012, 11:08 AM

Hi Andy Pope

Thanks for the site on graphs. I found it very useful.

I was able to create a graph a lot easier that with my method and I didn't have to be by myself

I have a couple of questions,

I'll post them here and they are alsoo on my example graph.

How do I have the line start at the first account balance (in this case $9000) instead of 1000?

How do I delete the word Date in the horiz axis?

Can I make the space between the dates wider with out extending the right border to the right?

Mike

**Andy Pope** · 08-19-2012, 06:49 AM

The first row of you data is actually test so is plotted as zero.
If you use the select Data dialog to adjust the range references of the series you can remove that row from the data and series. And you can make the series name include both rows.

You can reduce the extent of the x axis by only including the datapoints that have a value.

To have the chart update automatically when new data is added use a Table for the source data or create some Dynamic named ranges. Search the forum for that term to find many example of auto updating charts.