Excel 2007 : Adding values to X Axis in a column chart

[Izzo]

For a project I'm currently working on, I'm trying to take a large database of collected specimens and sorting each species by year and amount collected. I want to have each graph comparable, so I want a standardized set of values for the y and x axis. I understand how to set a max and min value for the y axis, but how can I set a specific set of numbers to the x axis?

example:
species A-
1984 5
1988 3

but the date range I would like to have on the x axis is:
1898 to 2008 going in increments of 10

I tried going in and editing the numbers manually, but it skews the information. I've also tried setting a list of dates, setting their values to 0, but some of the dates fall between the increments of 10 (ie the 1984 falls between 1978 and 1988) and I don't want to add extra dates in the standardized set of numbers.

Am I asking for too much, or is there a way to do this

[npamcpp]

You could use a XY Scatter chart. Format the X axis with min = 1989, max = 2008 and major unit = 10
See attached.

[Izzo]

It would definitely be easier that way, but the final information was requested in the column chart form.

[npamcpp]

Can you post a sample file?

[npamcpp]

The X axis of a column chart is a category axis. It only shows the categories defined in the data source selection dialog. You cannot have an X axis with increments of 10 years and then have columns that sit somewhere between a 10 year slot.

Using an XY chart, you could use vertical error bars set to "minus" with the percentage setting of 100%, so they drop from the data point down to the X axis. Then format the error bars with a nice fat line and they look like columns. Hide the data markers and the line.

See attached.

[Izzo]

Yes, that would work perfect then as it will do exactly what I want it to. Thanks so much for your help, that looks fantastic!

[leossj433]

I had the same problem, error bars worked like a charm, thanks!! been looking for a solution for hours. It'd be nice if column charts could accept value series instead of just category type.