COLUMN CHART Y AXIS PROBLEM

[Guest]

In a column chart with a data table, I want the numbers to appear on the Y axis. However, the zero amount rests on the top line of the data table. I don't want to change the format of the data table. Suggestions? Thanks

 

[Jon Peltier]

DCG -

I don't exactly understand your dilemma, particularly "the zero amount
rests on the top line of the data table". Could you re-explain?

- Jon

 

[Guest]

There is no space between the chart and the data table, so the top border of the data table and the bottom border of the chart are the same line. Since this is the bottom of the chart and the minimum value is zero, the zero value rests on this line.

 

[Jon Peltier]

Oh, I see. Could you change the scale of the Y axis, so it has a small
negative number as its minimum (say, the amount of the major tick
spacing)? Then force the X axis to cross at 0. Of course, your minimum
now appears at the top edge of the data table. Conditional formatting
of the Y axis tick labels can make it disappear: use a format like one
of these:

[<0]" ";General
[<0]" ";0.00
[<0]" ";0%

You get the idea, put the '[<0]" ";' part in front of the format for
the rest of the labels. Adjust the number of spaces in quotes if the
labels look goofy. Sometimes you need to tell Excel right in the first
label how wide all of them must be.

- Jon