Y-Axis in a Line Chart

[Matthias118]

Hi,

I have a line chart with values on the X-Axis ranging from -20 to 20. The Y-Axis is by default in the very left side of the chart (ie. crosses the X-Axis at the value -20). Now I was wondering if it is possible to the Y Axis into the middle (ie that it crosses the X-Axis on 0) while the values on the X-Axis still range from -20 to 20?

Thanks a lot for the help,
Matthias

[clownfish]

Yes-
Right click on the x-axis, go to the Scale tab, enter 0 (or any number between -20 and +20) in the box for "Value Y axis crosses at:", press OK.

[Matthias118]

Thanks for the fast reply. But where can I find this "Scale tab"?

Another problem is that this line would most likely be on one of the "tick marks" (i.e. on the values -0.5 or +0.5) and not in the middle of two tick marks where exactly the 0 would be. Any solution to this?

Then I have a furhter question: can I add two Y-Axis with different values (in case I would like to have two different lines in the chart with different measures)?

Thanks a lot,
Matthias

[clownfish]

sorry- left out a step; after you right click on the X axis, click Format axis... then click the Scale tab on the pop up.

It should be able to put the axis directly on 0 even if that's not one of the tick marks. If not, you can try the option "Y axis crosses between tick marks" which may or may not be available to you under the Scale tab (seems to depend on whether Excel views the X variable as continuous or categorical.

As for putting two Y axes, I believe you will have to change the chart type to one of the custom types-- right click on the middle of the chart somewhere, click Chart Type... then click the Custom Types tab. There are a few 2 y axis varieties in there (I am using Excel 2003), although I'm not 100% sure that you can use two lines (it may have to be line and bar, but take a look).

[Matthias118]

Got it thanks a lot!!!

I guess the chart with different Y-Axis is not possible in Excel 2007 anymore - I didn't manage this one...

Anyway, thanks so much!

[Andy Pope]

Although the combination chart types have been removed from the list of choices in xl2007 you can still create your own.

Start with a line chart with 2 series. Select the series to be placed on the secondary Y axis and right click. Pick Format Series. On the Axis section of the dialog you can choose the axis.

Line charts usually have category x axis. If you want tru numeric x axis you will need to use xy-scatter chart type.

[Matthias118]

Thanks a lot! Now both problems are solved but I encountered another one which I've already posted in another thread. Maybe one of you knows how to tackle this....

Hi,

I have a strange problem: I created some graphs in Excel and now would like to copy them into word. When I copy them into a new (blank) document I can insert them as "Chart (linked to Excel data)" which exactly what I want.

Now when I copy them into the document I'm working, I can only paste them as pictures which is not what I raelly want. When I insert them as picture the lines look somehow blurred the font size changed slightly.

Does anybody know why I can't insert them as Charts in the document I'm working on?

Thanks a lot,
Matthias