Excel: Axis Plots Begin at One on Log Chart

 Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
Article ID: Q87794
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0

SUMMARY

When using a logarithmic scale in a Microsoft Excel chart, the X and Y axis will cross at one. This can be confusing because non-logarithmic scales usually cross at zero by default. Zero is not used within a log chart because it is not a proper power of ten. The value of 10^0 (ten raised to a power of zero, or 1) is used instead.

MORE INFORMATION

Logarithmic scaling adjusts the chart's scale to base 10, based upon the data being charted. The value at which the X and Y axis cross may be changed, but the value must be a power of ten. If the cross value is not a power of ten, Microsoft Excel rounds the value down to the nearest power of ten.

To change the point at which an axis cross another in a logarithmic chart, do the following:

  1. Select the appropriate axis.

  2. From the Format menu, choose Scale.

  3. Click the X/Y Axis Crosses at: field.

  4. Type in the appropriate value.

Any axis that uses a log scale can only be modified in increment of powers of ten (.01, .1, 1, 10, 100, and so on). Negative or zero values cannot be used.

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Additional reference words: 2.1 2.10 2.1c 2.10c 2.1d 2.10d 2.2
2.2a 2.20a 3.0 3.00

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Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
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