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all i wan to do is create a simple scatter plot of two columns of data vs. row number

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    all i wan to do is create a simple scatter plot of two columns of data vs. row number

    the title says it all - i have two columns of data in excel, let's call them a and b. i want to create a scatter plot with both the data in column a and the data in column b plotted on the vertical axis against row number plotted on the horizontal axis. excel wants to plot the data in col a on the vertical axis against the data in col b on the horizontal axis - or i can create two scatter plots col a vs. row number and col. b vs. row number (so it does understand the concept of data vs. row number at least). okay experts, how do i accomplish this simple task (other than export the data to a graphing package)? thanks.

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    Re: all i wan to do is create a simple scatter plot of two columns of data vs. row number

    With two columns, Excel is programmed to assume you want to plot column B against column A when using a scatter plot. When you plot one column on a scatter plot, Excel is programmed to assume the count numbers {1,2,3,4,...} for the x data. When you want to do something different from these two defaults, you have to specifically tell Excel what you want.

    You don't state it, but, if your data starts in row 1, so that the second of Excel's assumptions is what you want, then try adding each column to the spreadsheet one at a time. Select one of your columns, Insert menu -> chart, XY scatter plot, in the "source data" dialog of the chart wizard (step 2), select the series tab, add a new series, then select the 2nd column for the y data, then finish the chart wizard. This will plot your two columns against the count numbers {1,2,3,..} which is the same as the row numbers.

    If your data don't start in row 1, then I'd add a third column (preferably to the left of the desired two columns) with the =ROW() function which will return the row numbers. Then you can plot the other two columns against this third column. I might even do this if the data start in row 1 because I'm the kind who doesn't like to leave too many "assumptions" (like assuming count numbers for x) to Excel.

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    Re: all i wan to do is create a simple scatter plot of two columns of data vs. row number

    once i figured out that the series command only applies to one set of data, the path forward was clear, just apply it again to plot the other column - well, clear isn't exactly the word here. this program is in serious need of a better user interface - it makes grapher look like the most user friendly package on the planet. anyway, problem solved.

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    Re: all i wan to do is create a simple scatter plot of two columns of data vs. row number

    @ jmdeur

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