Adding the correct number of working days to the chart, skipping off days

Hello.

I understand that according to implicit rules of these wonderful forum it is better to add description of the task into the body of the thread, but in this case I can only explain what I would like to achieve by attaching the file. Sorry about that.

I would like to create a (stacked bar) chart that takes shows the length of each task, starting at the start date and finishing at the exact finish date, skipping all off days.

I have three small tables: Plan, Actual, and the table with data for the chart.

Both the Plan and Actual tables correctly compute the actual finish date based on the number of actual working days, skipping all off-days, which are listed in a separate tab of the workbook.
But in the third table, which is used for the chart also, I have the starting date and the number of working days. If I use these data points, I do get a nice chart (I want it in exactly this format of a stacked bar chart) but all finish dates are incorrect, of course, because they are computed by simply adding my defined working days to the start date.

Please, help me to figure out how to make my chart finish each each bar on the correct finish date; how I shall change my plot series, or add some formula so it knows not only the correct start date but also the correct finish date?

Thank you very much for your help!

Originally Posted by AliGW

No problem at all, in fact it is preferable in many cases to explain what you want AND to attach a file!

Thank you so much. I am doing my best to do so, but I am still learning.

Originally Posted by AliGW

I have made a suggestion in post #3 above.

Yes, thank you very much, I see it. I am thinking how to do that. One option I am trying now is to find the way to add all off-days to my workdays and store those in a new column. I will be back if I can't solve it. Thank you very much.

Originally Posted by AliGW

I suppose the entire data series for the chart could be hidden values. I'm sure you'll get it to work! Nice, simple chart, by the way - very clear.

I often hide things underneath charts so that the columns don't actually have to be hidden.

Thank you very much. I am so happy to read this. I love learning excel, and each time get amazed by wonderful features.
I have found a truly easy solution: I compute the days in the table for chart data as the difference between the end date and the start date; so I don't even need any more additional functions. Still I will try to think of other, maybe, more "fancy" solutions, just in case. )

Originally Posted by AliGW

I think that solution is neat enough, and you can still hide it on your sheet.

If that takes care of your original question, please select Thread Tools from the menu link above and mark this thread as SOLVED. Thanks.

Of course. ) One more little question: by saying "to hide" do you mean to hide all columns, which contain the data for the chart but leaving the Plan and Actual tables unhidden?

Originally Posted by AliGW

Yes - as I said, you could probably move your chart, create the data series tables there, and then plonk the chart back on top. That's how I'd do it in this case, I think.

I see now. Thank you very much! )