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y-axis minimum default is incorrect

P

psnandra

New Member
Hi, I have the below data set (comma separated). Having created a line graph I have the below values in the Source Data dialog box on the Series tab (assuming this is pasted in range A1:B32 on Sheet1). Looking at the Format Axis dialog box the Y axis minimum is zero (auto ticked). However for the below data I would expect the Y axis to start at around 50. Having used other data sets the auto value is usually fine (i.e. Y axis does not start with zero instead a more appropriate value).


Obvious solution is to untick auto and manually select a minimum for the Y axis scale. But, I'm actually using this data as part of a dynamic graph. The source data the graph relates to changes as you select different items in a List Box form. For all of the other data sets that are returned this works fine in that the Y axis auto scales automatically (and does not begin with zero). But it's just this data set that it fails to do that. Any help would be great! Thanks!


Name: =Sheet1!$A$1

Values: = =Sheet1!$B$2:$B$32

Category (X) axis labels: =Sheet1!$A$2:$A$32


Point(x),Price(y)

1,84.13

2,84.13

3,84.36

4,84.16

5,81.12

6,78.52

7,76.41

8,76.41

9,76.41

10,78.08

11,77.53

12,78.29

13,78.43

14,75.95

15,75.95

16,75.95

17,73.25

18,72.77

19,70.57

20,69.64

21,68.47

22,68.47

23,68.47

24,68.59

25,66.84

26,68.21

27,70.48

28,70.62

29,70.62

30,70.62

31,71.88
 
Actually, if you're using it in a dynamic graph, I would recommend leaving the minimum at 0, and forcing the maxium to some set point as well. That way, when you change series(items?) the scale stays the same and the user will get a better visual judgement of how prices compare.


Now, if there is zero need to compare the different series, I admit there is no need to define the maximum. However, I would be strongly opposed to graphs that do not have the y-axis start at 0. They tend to be misinterpreted and/or misleading. If you're dealing with large numbers and need to "zoom-in" a better trick might be to plot the percent change.
 
Thanks for your response Luke. I changed the graph to plot percentage change and fixed the min/max values for the Y axis. Your right this looks better, shows the changes and helps to compare as I select items from the List Box. Cheers, Pav
 
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