Excel Chart Axis Range Based On Cell Value
If you use Excel to create charts, you may have noticed that the axis range is usually determined automatically. However, there may be times when you want to set the axis range based on a specific cell value. This can be helpful when you want to create charts that adjust to changing data.
Setting the Axis Range Based On a Cell Value
To set the axis range based on a cell value, follow these steps:
- Select the chart that you want to modify. This will display the Chart Tools tab.
- Click on the Format tab under Chart Tools.
- Click on the Axis Options button in the Current Selection group.
- Select the Fixed option under Minimum and Maximum.
- Click on the cell icon next to the Minimum and Maximum fields.
- Select the cell that contains the value that you want to use for the axis range.
- Click OK to close the Axis Options dialog box.
When you follow these steps, the axis range will be based on the value in the selected cell. This means that if the value in the cell changes, the axis range will adjust accordingly.
Using Named Ranges
If you want to make it easier to set the axis range based on a cell value, you can use named ranges. A named range is a range of cells that has a specific name assigned to it. To create a named range, follow these steps:
- Select the range of cells that you want to name.
- Click on the Formulas tab.
- Click on the Define Name button in the Defined Names group.
- Type a name for the range in the Name field.
- Click OK to close the New Name dialog box.
Once you have created a named range, you can use it to set the axis range based on a cell value. To do this, follow these steps:
- Select the chart that you want to modify.
- Click on the Format tab under Chart Tools.
- Click on the Axis Options button in the Current Selection group.
- Select the Fixed option under Minimum and Maximum.
- Type the name of the named range in the Minimum and Maximum fields.
- Click OK to close the Axis Options dialog box.
When you follow these steps, the axis range will be based on the named range. This means that if the values in the named range change, the axis range will adjust accordingly.
Creating Dynamic Charts
By using named ranges and setting the axis range based on a cell value, you can create dynamic charts that adjust to changing data. For example, if you have a chart that displays data for the current month, you can use a named range that includes the data for the current month and set the axis range based on the maximum value in the range.
When you update the data for the current month, the chart will automatically adjust to display the new data. This can be a useful way to create charts that are easy to maintain and update.
Conclusion
Setting the axis range based on a cell value can be a helpful way to create charts that adjust to changing data. By using named ranges, you can make it even easier to set the axis range based on specific values. With these techniques, you can create dynamic charts that are easy to maintain and update.