Chart function doesn't recognize data values

[Helanren]

I am trying to create a graph directly from the values in my spreadsheet. Read excel help, looked at a video, and it seems very straightforward. But when I actually try do it, it seems that Excel (Starter, the free version provided with W7) reads all the cell values as zero. Still, if I select a cell the proper value is displayed in the bar above, and when I copy/paste the data that works as well. See attached picture: data top left are 'original data', data bottom left are a copy of it, cell D3 shows up correctly with a value of 79.0, but the graph is empty. If I try and edit the data, I see that it looks as if every data point is '0'. Any idea what I could be doing wrong?

Thanks for helping me out!

[BadlySpelledBuoy]

If you can post the actual workbook rather than a picture it will be easier for us to help you.

[Helanren]

Didn't know you could do that

[BadlySpelledBuoy]

Your data is not formatted as "Numbers", therefore Excel looks at them as text and cannot plot them.

In the attached I've converted them to numbers for you.

[Helanren]

Thanks!

That seems to make sense then . But how can that happen? I simply opened a new 'empty' file, and started typing the numbers in the cells. Wouldn't the default setting for an excel file be that data are numbers unless otherwise specified?

[BadlySpelledBuoy]

Excel is default to "General" but it should recognise the data you're inputting as numbers. I tried it and it works for me.
So either your data was pasted in rather than typed in, or your settings dictate that the cells should be text.

[Helanren]

OK, I think I see where it may be coming from. I typed decimals using a dot; when I look at 'format cells' and set it to number, it gives "0,00", with a comma, as an example. Maybe because that's the custom here in Holland and it somehow figured out that's where I am, even though I installed an English version of Windows.
I see your 'reset' data have commas as well.

Is there a way to change my settings so that it will treat the dots as the decimal 'turning point'? Or does Excel always require commas?

[Andy Pope]

numeric separators decimal and thousands are a regional thing but you can alter it under the Options section.

Not sure exactly where that would be for the Starter edition but for standard xl2010 you would use

File > Options > Advanced > Editing Options > Use system separators.

[Helanren]

Yep, that works.

Thanks a lot for the help!

[edit] both of you

[arlu1201]

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