Changing the resolution of a contour plot in Excel 2010

[Xmosis]

In Excel, a contour plot is simply the 3d plot shown from the top view. You can even tweak the angle and make it so it's a 3d graph. Strangely enough, the resolution for the z-axis, the out of plane axis that gives it depth, is drastically decreased for me when the graph is a contour plot, and when I put it back to a normal looking 3d graph, the resolution goes back up. When I say resolution, I mean that the z-axis only has 3 colors representing levels of elevation when it's a contour plot, but when I rotate the graph it goes back up to around 8 colors. I would like to keep it this way for the contour plot so I have more color representations so that I can get a more precise estimate of local elevation in certain spots on my plot. However, excel doesn't seem to have any way of doing this. When I right click the legend, my only options are "Delete, reset to match style, Font..., Change Chart Type..., Select Data..., 3d rotation..., Format Legend..." None of these options allow me to increase the resolution. Does anyone know how to do this?

[Andy Pope]

ribbon Chart Tools > Format > Current Selection.
Pick Vertical axis from drop down list.

Format selection and set the Major unit value.

[Xmosis]

Thank you

[iXL]

To create a "real" contour plot in Excel, try Contour Plot or EZplot at www.OfficeExpander.com
There is a demo version to try.
Cheers.