X-axis labels

[IgorM]

Given a data set from 1983 to 2000, I would like the x-axis labels to be
1985, 1990, 1995, 2000. I know how to make Excel only show every 5th year,
but I don't know how to make it start with 1985 rather than 1983 without
deleting the 1983 and 1984 data points.

 

[Kelly O'Day]

You have posted the same question twice, so I guess you haven't got your
answer yet.

First, you absolutely do not have to delete your data.

Second, we need to be sure what type of chart you are using. Are you using a
line chart or an XY chart?

I suggest an XY chart.

To change the X axis scale for an XY chart, double click the X axis, go to
scale and change the min and max X axis values and interval to what you
want.

(e-mail address removed)

 

[IgorM]

Thank you, but I don't think that changing the interval would solve my
problem. For my data set from 1983 to 2000, if I change the interval from
1985 to 2000, data from 1983 and 84 won't be visible on the chart. I would
like for all data to be visible, but for the labels to be 1985, 1990, 1995,
and 2000

 

[Kelly O'Day]

Igor:

You can create a dummy axis series that will do exactly what you want. Here
are 3 links that walk you through dummy axis series.

1.. Jon Peltier
2.. Tushar-Mehta
3.. Andy Pope
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi,

Just in case you didn't have the link.
http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/ArbitraryAxis.html

If you have data for every year a line chart might be easier for getting
the effect you want. Create yourself a helper column for the axis
labels. Replace the years that you do not want shown with a space and
then adjust the charts source data to use category labels from this new
range.

Cheers
Andy

 

[Jon Peltier]

If you follow Kelly's suggestion and use an XY chart, then set the axis
scale so the labels start at 1980 and increment by 5, you will achieve very
nearly the effect you want without the effort of adding a supplementary
axis.

- Jon