Stop Excel From Overlapping Bar Chart Axis Secondary
Excel is a powerful tool for presenting data, and one of its most popular features is the ability to create charts. However, one issue that many users run into is overlapping of the bar chart axis secondary. This can make it difficult to read the chart and understand the data. In this article, we will discuss how to stop Excel from overlapping bar chart axis secondary.
Understanding Bar Chart Axis Secondary
Before we get started, let's first understand what bar chart axis secondary is. In a bar chart, the horizontal axis (also known as the x-axis) represents the categories being compared, while the vertical axis (also known as the y-axis) represents the values of those categories. The bar chart axis secondary is a secondary y-axis that is used to plot data on a different scale or unit than the primary y-axis.
The Problem of Overlapping Axis Secondary
The problem with the bar chart axis secondary occurs when the data being plotted on the secondary y-axis has a different scale or unit than the data being plotted on the primary y-axis. This can cause the axis secondary to overlap with the primary y-axis, making it difficult to read the chart and understand the data.
Solutions to Stop Overlapping Bar Chart Axis Secondary
Change the Scale of Axis Secondary
The first solution to stop Excel from overlapping bar chart axis secondary is to change the scale of the secondary y-axis. To do this, follow these steps:
- Select the chart
- Click on the secondary y-axis
- Right-click and choose Format Axis
- In the Format Axis pane, under Axis Options, change the Maximum and Minimum values to fit the data being plotted on the secondary y-axis
Change the Type of Axis Secondary
The second solution is to change the type of axis secondary. By default, Excel assumes that the axis secondary is a linear scale. However, if the data being plotted on the axis secondary is not linear, such as logarithmic or exponential data, then changing the type of axis secondary can help to prevent overlapping. To change the type of axis secondary, follow these steps:
- Select the chart
- Click on the secondary y-axis
- Right-click and choose Format Axis
- In the Format Axis pane, under Axis Options, choose the appropriate scale under Axis Type
Move the Axis Secondary to the Right
The third solution is to move the axis secondary to the right. By default, Excel places the axis secondary on the left side of the chart, which can cause overlapping. Moving the axis secondary to the right can help to prevent overlapping. To move the axis secondary to the right, follow these steps:
- Select the chart
- Click on the secondary y-axis
- Right-click and choose Format Axis
- In the Format Axis pane, under Axis Options, choose the appropriate position under Axis Position
Change the Chart Type
The final solution is to change the chart type. If the data being plotted on the secondary y-axis is not suitable for a bar chart, then changing the chart type can help to prevent overlapping. To change the chart type, follow these steps:
- Select the chart
- Click on the Change Chart Type button in the Chart Tools tab
- In the Change Chart Type dialog box, choose the appropriate chart type
Conclusion
Overlapping of bar chart axis secondary can be a frustrating issue when presenting data in Excel. However, by understanding the problem and implementing the solutions discussed above, you can stop Excel from overlapping bar chart axis secondary and create clear and easy-to-read charts.
