"Connecting the dots" with Microsoft Excel charts

[John Kounis]

I am having a problem graphing data in Microsoft Excel. I
am trying to compare different marketing campaigns by
date, where there might be gaps in my dates.

Here's an example:

Day# Campaign #1 Campaign #2 Campaign #3
1 50 40 30
2 60
3 55 47
4 70 60
5 70

When I try to graph this data, the series for Campaign #3
just appears as 3 data points, with no lines connecting
the dots (because there is no data for days 2 & 4). The
line for campaign #1 connects days 1 & 2, but not day 4...

Basically, it's a mess. I can't figure out a way to make a
line connect all the dots. and have the three charts
displayed on a single timeline (X-axis) that is consistent
across all three data series.

Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[JE McGimpsey]

I am having a problem graphing data in Microsoft Excel. I
am trying to compare different marketing campaigns by
date, where there might be gaps in my dates.

Here's an example:

Day# Campaign #1 Campaign #2 Campaign #3
1 50 40 30
2 60
3 55 47
4 70 60
5 70

When I try to graph this data, the series for Campaign #3
just appears as 3 data points, with no lines connecting
the dots (because there is no data for days 2 & 4). The
line for campaign #1 connects days 1 & 2, but not day 4...

Basically, it's a mess. I can't figure out a way to make a
line connect all the dots. and have the three charts
displayed on a single timeline (X-axis) that is consistent
across all three data series.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Assuming you're using an X-Y scatter chart (which is appropriate for a
timeline), or a Line chart, select the chart. Choose Preferences/Chart
and choose the Empty Cells Plotted as Interpolated radio button.

Note that this will not add points for day 5 to Campaigns #1 or #2.