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Figure 5-25: Figure 5-25. XY Scatter Chart Set Up From Range D2:E8

An XY scatter chart can be hacked to create a variable width column chart where the columns' width and height adjust simultaneously based on plotted data. The document describes creating such a chart by using an XY scatter chart as a base and plotting percentage on the X axis and cost on the Y axis for various expenses. The chart is then customized by adding an axis title of "Cost ($)" to the primary vertical axis.

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42 views1 page

Figure 5-25: Figure 5-25. XY Scatter Chart Set Up From Range D2:E8

An XY scatter chart can be hacked to create a variable width column chart where the columns' width and height adjust simultaneously based on plotted data. The document describes creating such a chart by using an XY scatter chart as a base and plotting percentage on the X axis and cost on the Y axis for various expenses. The chart is then customized by adding an axis title of "Cost ($)" to the primary vertical axis.

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

#61

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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