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Column Chart in Excel

This document describes how to create a column chart in Excel with variable column widths and heights. It explains that while Excel does not natively support this, it can be done by modifying an XY scatter chart. The document provides details on setting up sample data with percentages on the X axis and costs on the Y axis. It outlines steps to insert an XY scatter chart and modify it to display the data as variable width columns rather than scatter points. This allows the columns' widths and heights to adjust automatically based on the plotted data values.

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mudassir2640
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49 views1 page

Column Chart in Excel

This document describes how to create a column chart in Excel with variable column widths and heights. It explains that while Excel does not natively support this, it can be done by modifying an XY scatter chart. The document provides details on setting up sample data with percentages on the X axis and costs on the Y axis. It outlines steps to insert an XY scatter chart and modify it to display the data as variable width columns rather than scatter points. This allows the columns' widths and heights to adjust automatically based on the plotted data values.

Uploaded by

mudassir2640
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HACK

#61

Create a Column Chart with Variable Widths and Heights

H A C K

#61

Create a Column Chart with Variable Widths and


Heights

Hack #61

Wouldnt it be nice to create a column chart whose columns can vary in


width and height? Then, as you plot your data into the columns, the columns
width and height cleverly adjust themselves simultaneously.

Excel doesnt provide this feature directly, but by hacking an XY scatter


chart you can create a very effective variable width column chart. XY scatter
charts are used to compare values; therefore, they provide a perfect base on
which to start creating a variable width column chart.
Figure 5-25 shows a variable width column chart that charts the percent
share versus cost for the following expenses: gas, electricity, water, food,
travel, and other. The X axis (the axis along the bottom of the chart) shows
the percentages (%), while the Y axis (the axis on the left-hand side) shows
the cost ($).

Figure 5-25. XY scatter chart set up from range D2:E8

To create this chart, set up some data such as that in Figure 5-25, select
Insert Charts Scatter. Select the first chart subtype: the Scatter with only
markers. Insert an Axis label for the Primary Vertical Axis (Value (Y) axis),
by selecting Chart Tools Layout Labels Axis Titles Primary Vertical Axis Title. When the Axis Title box appears, type Cost ($). (In pre-2007
versions, use the Chart Wizard to create the Scatter chart, and ensure the
chart is created with the columns option selected and is set as an object.)

160

Chapter 5, Charting Hacks

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