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How to change origin of axis

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    How to change origin of axis

    I am presenting a figure of isotherms within a cross-section, however I am having trouble getting the x-axis aligned properly. I would like the end result to look as below (I achieved this using paint), where the zero value exists right at mid-section, and all the axis values increase/decrease from zero. As far as I have found, the axis always starts counting from an end point (default is the bottom-left corner). Is there a way to change this and achieve the desired appearance? It is worth noting that the cross-section is not a reasonable width (228.75 mm), which is why I am adopting this formatting style.

    Thank you for your help.

    capture 3.PNG

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    Re: How to change origin of axis

    I am not sure I understand exactly what you are asking for or concerned about. It seems like it should be as simple as formatting the horizontal x axis so that it's minimum and maximum are opposites (in your example, it looks like the x axis min should be -120, and the max should be +120). Does formatting the axis with the desired min and max work for you, or is there more to your question that I am missing?
    Quote Originally Posted by shg
    Mathematics is the native language of the natural world. Just trying to become literate.

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    Re: How to change origin of axis

    You are correct, if the section was 240 mm wide this would be very simple. Set the bounds from -120 to 120 and specify the major unit as 40 mm, no problem. However, my section is 228.75 mm wide, meaning I need it to run from -114.375 to 114.375. If I want the zero line at the mid-section, as I do, that means I need a major unit size of something like 28.593 mm, which is unreasonable. This is why I was hoping there is a way to set the origin of the axis.

    Thank you

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    Re: How to change origin of axis

    You can't set the origin; for Excel, it's at the min value of x, by definition.
    Entia non sunt multiplicanda sine necessitate

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    Re: How to change origin of axis

    This was my understanding, thank you for confirming it. I'll have to used different software to achieve the desired look, Cheers.

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    Re: How to change origin of axis

    Assuming I understand your question, I would respond that exactly what you want is probably not possible with Excel's built in axis options. As you can see in the format axis dialog, Excel offers options for changing the min, max, major, and minor units. Excel does all the rest without further input. If you are dissatisfied with Excel's built in axis options, you will need to do something else.

    I don't know my way around other charting applications. I would not be surprised if there are other charting applications that would have better axis control options that would do this more easily. It may be worth exploring other charting applications.

    If you really want to do this in Excel, you will need to "build your own axis/gridlines (from stuff you have lying around the spreadsheet)" (That would make a good clickbait title for Peltier's article). To save me from writing the whole procedure out, Jon Peltier has a nice tutorial describing the process for a reciprocal temperature axis. Your axis calculations will necessarily be different (let us know if you need help with them), but the overall procedure should be well described:
    https://peltiertech.com/reciprocal-chart-axis-scale/

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    Re: How to change origin of axis

    MrShorty suggests an excellent alternative.

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