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resolvedResolved · Medium Priority · Version 2003

Stephen has attended:
Excel Intermediate course

Excel

Could you explain in simple terms how the logarithmic scale (in charting) is calculated and when it is most appropriate to use?

RE: Excel

Hello Stephen,

Hope you enjoyed your Microsoft Excel course with BEST STL Training.

Thank you for your question regarding logarithmic charts.

Simply put, it is a chart for which the scale (usually on the vertical axis) is skewed so that a given distance always represents the same percentage change, rather than the same absolute change (as is the case for a linear chart). In other words, the distance from 1 to 10 is the same as the distance from 10 to 100 on a logarithmic chart, but the latter distance is ten times greater on a linear chart.

Any value axis can be turned into a logarithmic scale axis. This includes any Y axis, and the X axis from an XY Scatter chart. If you have a Line chart, you must convert it to an XY Scatter chart before changing the axis to logarithmic. Double click on the axis, and click on the Scale tab. If it says Category Axis Scale under the tabs, you cannot convert the axis without changing the chart type. If it says Value Axis Scale just under the tabs, you will also see a Logarithmic Scale checkbox near the bottom. Check this checkbox, and set appropriate scaling parameters.


I hope this resolves your question. If it has, please mark this question as resolved.

If you require further assistance, please reply to this post.
Or perhaps you have another Microsoft Office question?

Have a great day.
Regards,

Richard
Microsoft Office Specialist Trainer


 

Excel tip:

Changing the Tab Colour of an Excel 2010 Worksheet

Did you know you could give the tabs in your worksheet different colours?

This is particularly useful when organizing all your worksheets relating to a particular period or year, for example.

Right click a tab
Select Tab Colour
And choose your favourite colour!

View all Excel hints and tips


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