Format the Axes and Gridlines

The axes show the range of values, the categories, or, for some 3-D charts, the data series in a chart. You can change the color, line pattern, tick marks, and labels of an axis. You can also adjust the scale, or range of values, shown along the axis. Gridlines extend from an axis across the plot area, and may be turned on or off. You can also format their color and line style.

Format an axis   Double-click the axis to display the Format Axis dialog box. Then make the changes you want on the Patterns, Scale, Font, Number, and Alignment tabs. Axes are displayed by default, but if you want to hide them, click None on the Patterns tab.

Add and format gridlines   Click Chart Options (Chart menu). On the Gridlines tab, specify the axes on which you want the gridlines to appear. To format a gridline, double-click it and then specify the look you want on the Patterns tab.

Are the category axis labels too long?   The labels automatically rotate to fit the chart. To make adjustments, double-click the axis to display the Format Axis dialog box. Adjust the rotation of the labels on the Alignment tab, or change the font size on the Font tab. You can also display fewer labels: On the Scale tab, adjust the number of categories displayed. Add a secondary value axis   When values for different data series vary widely, or when you have different types of values, such as price and volume, switch one or more data series to a secondary axis. Double-click the series, and then select the Secondary axis option on the Axis tab of the Format Data Series dialog box. Note that you cannot add a secondary axis to some chart types, including 3-D, bubble, and surface charts.

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Want to know more?   Look up Getting Results - Customize a Chart in Help.