MS Graph: Modifying The Vertical Axis

• Microsoft Graph versions 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Graph, a scale on an axis is like the measurements on a ruler. The scale determines the range of numeric values to be plotted on the axis and the size of the interval between each tick mark on the axis. You can modify the scale of the vertical axis for area, column, and line charts. For bar charts, you modify the scale of the horizontal axis. Since scatter charts plot numeric values on both axes, you can modify both of them.

You can modify the vertical axis in the following ways:

• Change its scale.
• Change its position.
• Change its text font size and style.
• Modify its tick labels.

MORE INFORMATION

Graph 5.0

In Graph 5.0, use the following steps to change the scale, position, font size and style, and/or tick labels:

1. Select the axis you want to reformat.

2. From the Format menu, choose Selected Axis.

   A tabbed dialog box appears in which you can choose to format the Patterns, Scale, Font, Number, or Alignment.

3. In this dialog box, specify the settings you want and choose OK.

Graph 3.0

In Graph 3.0, use the following steps to change the scale, position, font size and style, and/or tick labels:

1. Select the axis you want to reformat.

2. From the Format menu, choose Pattern.

   A dialog box appears that contains buttons for Font, Text, and Scale, and radio buttons for formatting the axis and tick marks.

3. In this dialog box, specify the settings you want and choose OK.

Graph 1.0 and 2.0

To change axis settings in Graph versions 1.0 and 2.0, use the procedures outlined below.

Change Scale

To change the scale of the vertical axis, follow these steps:

1. Make the Chart window active.

2. Choose Vertical Axis from the Format menu.

3. Enter a number for the minimum value, usually 0. (This number will appear at the bottom of the vertical axis.)

4. Enter a number for the maximum value, usually 100. (This number appears at the top of the vertical axis.)

5. Enter a number for the major unit. (This number represents the increments between major tick marks.)

6. Enter a number for the minor unit. (This number represents the increments between minor tick marks. Numbers do not appear next to minor tick marks.)

7. Click OK.

Change Position

You can move the position of the vertical axis in relation to the horizontal axis and vice versa. For example, if you are plotting some negative values, you will want the horizontal axis to cross the vertical axis at zero.

To change the position of the vertical axis, follow these steps:

1. Make the Chart window active.

2. Choose Vertical Axis from the Format menu.

3. You now have three options for the position of the vertical axis.

   a. Click Right to move the vertical axis to the right side of the

         chart.
   

   b. Click Left to move the vertical axis to the left side of the

         chart.
   

   c. Click Crosses Horizontal Axis at Point, and then enter the

         number of the label on the horizontal axis where you want the
         vertical axis to cross it.
   

4. Click OK.

Change Font and Style

To change the text font and style, follow these steps:

1. Select the vertical axis by clicking on it.

2. Choose Font from the Format menu.

3. Click on the font type, size, style, and color you like.

4. Click OK.

Modify Tick Labels

Tick labels are labels that appear next to the tick marks on both axes. The numbers along the vertical axis of the default column chart are its tick labels (or values).

To hide tick labels along the vertical axis, follow these steps:

1. Make the Chart window active.

2. Choose Vertical Axis from the Format menu.

3. Uncheck the box next to Show Tick Labels.