Microsoft KB Archive/147188

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

Combination Chart Plots Incorrectly with XY (Scatter) & Column
Last reviewed: March 27, 1997

Article ID: Q147188

5.00 5.00c 7.00 | 5.00 5.00a

WINDOWS        | MACINTOSH kbusage

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0, 5.0c
 * Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0
 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, version 5.0, 5.0a

SYMPTOMS
When you create a combination chart using an xy (scatter) series and a column series, the bars for the column series will plot to the left side of the chart instead of plotting evenly across the chart as expected.

CAUSE
This behavior occurs because of the way the two chart types use the labels along the x axis. Xy (scatter) charts actually use the labels along the x axis to which to plot the data, whereas a column chart just sees them as labels.

WORKAROUND
In order to plot the column series correctly you must show the secondary x axis on your chart. To add a secondary x axis, follow these steps:


 * 1) Double-click the chart to activate it.
 * 2) On the Insert Menu, click Axes.
 * 3) Under Secondary Axis, click to select Category (X) Axis.
 * 4) Click OK.