Excel: Unexpected Scale with Combination Chart

Last reviewed: November 4, 1994
Article ID: Q62386
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 1.0, 1.5 and 2.2

SUMMARY

When using combination chart number 2 or 3 (two axes) with positive and negative values, Microsoft Excel defaults to setting the category axis at the zero value of the main chart, or the left value axis. This means that regardless of where the values for the overlay fall, its zero value will not match the category axis of the graph.

For the category axis to match, the minimum and maximum values of both scales must be the same or a multiple of the same number. These values can be manually adjusted in the Scale dialog box. To adjust the scale, click the overlay value axis and choose Scale from the Format menu.

MORE INFORMATION

Below is an example of how to make the minimum and maximum values proportional:

Open a new Microsoft Excel worksheet and type the following values:

   In cells A1:A5, type 1,5,-5,-8,9
   In cells B1:B5, type 50,20,-300,125,76

Highlight A1:B5, choose New from the File menu, and click Chart. From the Gallery menu, choose Combination and select chart number 3.

The right value axis of the resulting chart crosses the category axis at -50. In Excel versions 1.50 and earlier, click the right value axis and choose Overlay Chart Axis from the Format menu. In Excel 2.20, click the right value axis and choose Scale from the Format menu.

Set the maximum value to 240 and click OK. Both axes will now cross at 0. This occurs because the maximum for the left value axis (8) times 30 equals 240, which is the same factor that is necessary to get the minimum value for the left value axis (-10) to equal the minimum value for the right axis (-300).


KBCategory: kbother
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 1.0 1.00 1.03 1.04 1.06 1.5 1.50
2.2 2.20


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 4, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.