The X, Y, Z of chart axes
Chart axes are lines against which data is plotted. Axes include:
- Value axis, with a range of values, such as 0-100.
- Labeled axis, with text labels, such as Q1 or January.
The axes vary:
- Vertical bar, line, and area charts have a horizontal x-axis and vertical y-axis.
- Horizontal bar, line, and area charts have a vertical x-axis and horizontal y-axis.
Add some extras
To increase the effectiveness of a chart, you can:
- Add tick marks and grid lines.
- Create titles to describe the axis.
- Change the scale of the axis, so it best displays the data.
Scaling numeric axes
- Linear. Equal intervals along the axis represent equal changes in the log scale.
- Log 10 (base 10 logarithmic scale). Equal intervals along the axis represent powers of 10.