trying to swap axes on chart

[sssssmmmmm]

Hi, i'm trying to create a basic column chart from two sets of data,
one being years and the other being figures. I want the years along
the bottom and the figures along the side, with the columns running up
from the years showing the trend of how many per year. I can only get
the chart to show the years along the side and the figures along the
bottom and have searched the help and can't work it out.

This is probably a very basic question but i'm new to charts and i'd
really appreciate help with this.

Thanks.

 

[Jon Peltier]

What's the data look like? Could you simply change whether the chart is
plotted by rows or by columns? Go to Chart menu > Source Data > Data Range
tab, and change the selected option.

- Jon

 

[sssssmmmmm]

hi, thanks for reply. i tried that but it didn't help. i've managed to
find a way around it now which was by formatting the years into text,
so the graph no longer treats them as having any values. i can now
have either sets of data on either axis. while it has found a way
around the problem it still didn't get to the bottom of it. Thanks
for the help anyway!

 

[Jon Peltier]

Okay, I'll ask again: What's the data look like?

Before creating the chart you should have two columns, with the years to the
left of the values you are plotting. Put a label atop the column of values,
and a blank cell atop the column of years (resist the urge to enter "Year").
The blank cell helps Excel parse the data into X values, Y values, and
series name.

- Jon

 

[sssssmmmmm]

hi jon, sorry. i did have the data in 2 columns as you described
except i had years at the top of the years column, and i didn't have
blank cells above. i've tried them again now as you described and it
has worked perfectly. thanks!!