adding scatter points and lines to a chart

[saturdaygig]

I have data on a scatter chart, but I want to add two straight lines so that I can see which data points are outside my target boundaries.

For instance, can I set x axis = 100 and have it display as a line? I tried setting two points and plotting them but of couse they just show up as scatter points.

I know I can acheive something similar by drawing lines onto the chart, the problem being that any change in axis limits leaves that line stranded in the wrong place, and my audit trail could easily be spoiled by someone else changing data.

I only have excel 2003 available for this task.

 

[Gerald Higgins]

Can't you join the two points with a line in the chart ? Maybe by adding intermediate points ?

 

[saturdaygig]

Can't you join the two points with a line in the chart ? Maybe by adding intermediate points ?

That's my issue Gerald, as far as i can find excel doesn't allow the joining of points on a scatter chart. I could specify lots of points to illustrate the line I suppose, but its not very elegant

 

[Steve=True]

Haven't used 2003 in a while, but in 2007 you can can make a combo chart.

First, add an additional series that will draw your line.

Then you will need to select that new series and change that series chart type to scatter with line or scatter with line and markers instead of just scatter.

Then it will resize with your data as it is really a line in the chart.

Steve=True
www.exceldashboardtemplates.com

 

[pgc01]

That's my issue Gerald, as far as i can find excel doesn't allow the joining of points on a scatter chart. I could specify lots of points to illustrate the line I suppose, but its not very elegant

If I understand correctly, you think that because you created the chart as Scatter with just points, that all the series you add must have that type.

That is not true. You can mix types.

Like Steve said, just add a new series with the start and end points of the line you want, right click in one of them to select the series and change its type to a scatter with line.

 

[saturdaygig]

Re: adding scatter points and lines to a chart - Resolved

Thanks Steve=True and PGC01 that's all there was to it.

 

[Steve=True]

Glad it worked for you and thanks for the comments


Steve=True
www.exceldashboardtemplates.com