Plotting only "unique" dates on the x-axis

[pcvchriskmg]

Hello,

I am using Excel 2010 on a Windows 7 machine.

I am plotting % vs. Production Runs (a simple line graph).

We frequently have multiple runs a day, so one date may have 5 or 6 associated data points.

The x-axis looks really cluttered with all the "repeated" dates.

Is it possible to show only the unique dates on the x-axis? This would mean the spacing between dates would change as it is dependent on the # of production runs for that day.

Up until now, I've just been assigning each run a number serially, so the percents have been plotted against 1,2,3,4...100 but I think having the dates will be more useful to management.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

[jeffreybrown]

Hi Chirs,

Here is what I think you are after...

On the x-axis >> right click >> Format Axis >> Axis Options >> Axis Type >> Toggle on Text axis

 

[pcvchriskmg]

Hi Chirs,

Here is what I think you are after...

On the x-axis >> right click >> Format Axis >> Axis Options >> Axis Type >> Toggle on Text axis

Changing it back and forth between the "date" and "text" "axis type" changes the chart significantly. You are right that the "text" is the type I want. It still shows duplicate dates, but I think this is practical.

Out of curiosity, what is it charting when "date" is the "axis type"? The lines seem to be very rigid and straight, as opposed to the wavy flow I get with the "text" axis type.

Thanks for the response,
Chris

 

[jeffreybrown]

I'm no charting expert, but my guess, when using "date", the chart is thinking in logical sequence. With "text", the chart is ignoring a sequential number pattern.