Help with Plotting data Axis Category labels

It has been a while since I have created column graphs in Excel (used old 2007). I am working in 2010 and have the following data:

DATE AMOUNT CUMULATIVE LEVEL OF DEBT
Aug-05 28,500,000 28,500,000
Aug-06 80,000,000 108,500,000
Sep-06 80,000,000 188,500,000
Mar-07 150,000,000 338,500,000
Mar-07 150,000,000 488,500,000
Sep-07 150,000,000 558,500,000
Sep-07 150,000,000 708,500,000
Mar-08 50,000,000 758,500,000
Mar-08 52,500,000 811,000,000
4,000,000 815,000,000
10,000,000 825,000,000
7,500,000 832,500,000
9,000,000 841,500,000
45,000,000 886,500,000

When I try to chart the data, the Vertical Value Axis only displays Jan-00 throughout, and my Horizontal Category Axis displays 1-14. In 2007 Excel, it was easier to change the labels. I have attached a PDF for your review of result from the data.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Troutner,

Welcome to the forums.

Excel is trying to put in your first column as a data series and not as the horizontal values.

You should delete the word "DATE" in your top left cell. Then create your chart from the top left cell to the bottom right of your data. Then your chart will show up correctly. If excel sees a label at the top left of your data and if the first item is a number, it thinks it is a series. You can always add the label of Date back after you make your chart.

Hope this helps.

Steve=True

Ok, I removed the date from the top cell, and my dates now show up on the bottom, but for some reason, I have lost the 2D Column effect of the amount. It shows the Cumulative level of debt, but not the initial amount. I have attached a test Excel doc showing 2 charts. The first chart is with the date removed. The second chart was my original chart that reflected both columns for Amount and Cumulative debt. I may be in over my head. Help Please?

Hi Troutner,

For some reason the chart you are looking at is in 3D. You need to click on the chart series and then change the chart type to 2D Clustered Column from the Design Ribbon > Change Chart Type Button.

Then, you are seeing really skinny bars because your date range is rather large (August of 2005 to March 2008). If you just want those as your axis labels, you can change the horizontal axis to a Text Axis from the Format Axis Dialog box. You can learn more about this topic at this link:
Excel Line Charts Using a Date Axis.

Even though it states line charts, the same applies to column charts.

Please let me know if this helps.

Steve=True