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Excel graph axis label increments
Excel graph axis label increments












You might choose to place the labels directly above the lines. In this case, the numeric labels go right above, or on top of, the data points.

excel graph axis label increments

Option B: Label all of the data points directlyĪ second option is to remove the axis and label the data points directly.ĭirect labeling means placing the labels as close to the data as possible. Rather than the smoothed-out appearance in the line above, this style subtly emphasizes that there gains and losses over time. Make sure your markers are relatively small otherwise, the graph can look outdated and clunky. I include markers when I want my viewers to remember that each point represents a different point in time. Sometimes I add markers (those little circles on top of the lines). And what the heck happened to Organization B between 20?” Organization A started around 125 and went up to the 175-200 range, and Organization B started in the 25-50 range, got as high as the 100-125 range, but then went back down to the 75-100 range. Both organizations have higher numbers in 2015 compared to 2009. The viewers’ takeaway message might be, “Organization A’s values are always above Organization B’s values. But my viewers can only estimate that value. The viewers won’t see the exact values. In other words, my spreadsheet will tell me that Organization A had a 130 in 2009. Is the line generally going up or going down? Where are the peaks and valleys over time? I use this style when I want viewers to focus on the general, big-picture view. Then, lighten ( mute) the grid lines. Thin gray lines > thick black lines. We need our viewers to focus on the star of the show - the burgundy and orange lines - and not get sidetracked by the backup dancers - the supplemental information like grid lines and tick marks. The increments you choose will likely depend on your unique dataset.

excel graph axis label increments

In this fictional scenario, I used increments of 25. The trick is strike a balance between labeling too frequently and not frequently enough. The first option is to simply label your vertical y-axis: 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and so on. With vertical axis labels and light gray grid lines? With labels directly above or on top of the data points? A mix of both?

excel graph axis label increments

Data visualization is more about strategic thinking than about following steadfast rules.














Excel graph axis label increments