How to Reverse Axis in Excel

Welcome to this informative blog post on how to easily reverse the axis in Microsoft Excel. Whether you are a seasoned Excel user or a beginner, knowing how to reverse the axis is a valuable skill to have. In certain situations, such as when viewing time series or numeric data, reversing the axis may be necessary to ensure the data is presented properly. In this guide, we will take you step by step on how to reverse the axis in Excel, so you can become proficient in this task and improve your data presentation skills.

Why Reverse Axis in Excel?

Before diving into how to reverse axis in Excel, it’s essential to understand why you would need to reverse the axis. Axis reversal is often useful when dealing with charts that display time series or numeric data. With axis reversal, you can manipulate the display of the data, making it easier to understand trends, patterns and to convey the message.

How to Reverse the Axis in Line, Column, and Bar Charts in Excel

Step 1: Select the Chart

Start by selecting the chart you want to edit. Be sure that you have a particular chart type in mind, such as a line, column, or bar chart.

Step 2: Open the Formatting Tab

With the chart selected, click on the formatting tab located at the top of the Excel window. Next, click the drop-down arrow on the tab.

Step 3: Access The Axis Options

The next step is to access the axis options. In the drop-down menu, look for the option “Series Options”. Click the drop-down arrow to reveal additional options, then click the “Series Options” button to access the advanced menu.

Step 4: Reverse the Axis

Once you’ve accessed the advanced menu, look for the “Axes” section. Click the checkbox next to “Values in Reverse Order,” and the axis will flip accordingly.

How to Reverse the Axis in Scatter Charts in Excel

Step 1: Select the Chart

Start by selecting the chart you want to edit.

Step 2: Edit the Series

With the scatter chart selected, click the dropdown arrow and select “Select Data…”.

Step 3: Switch to the Axis Option

After selecting the “Select Data…” option, select the “Switch Row/Column” button on the button bar. This will switch the X and Y axes.

Step 4: Reverse the Axis in Format Data Series

After switching the X and Y axes, click the “Format” button. Then, select “Format Data Series.” In the format data series window, scroll down to the “Series Options” section and select the “Values in Reverse Order” checkbox.

Reversing the axis in Microsoft Excel charts is relatively simple and can provide a new perspective to your data display. The above steps work for most common chart types, but experimentation with your charts may be necessary. Keep this guide handy, and you will be perfecting your data presentation in no time.

Changing the Axis Scale in Excel

While reversing the axis in Excel changes the axis order, there may be times when you want to change the scale of the axis as well. Excel sets the axis scale based on the data displayed in the chart, and sometimes it doesn’t show the range you want to emphasize. Here are the steps to change the axis scale in Excel:

Step 1: Select the Chart

Select the chart you want to edit. Click the Chart Elements button on the right side of the chart and select the Axis Titles option.

Step 2: Edit the Axis Titles

Type the Axis title into the chart and press “Enter.”

Step 3: Format the Axis Labels

Right-click anywhere on the Axis Label and select the “Format Axis” option.

Step 4: Change the Scale

In the Format Axis dialog box, select the Scale tab. Adjust the minimum, maximum, and axis interval to the ranges you want.

Wrapping up

Reversing the axis in Excel is one of the essential data presentation skills that any Excel user should become proficient in. Remember, different chart types require different approaches, but once you get the hang of it, it is a straightforward process to master. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find the most appropriate chart display for your data. With the steps outlined above, you’ll be on your way to creating even more beautiful and clear data representations.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about reversing the axis in Excel:

Can I reverse the scale of the vertical axis only?

Yes, you can reverse the scale of any one-axis in Excel. Simply select the axis you want to change, then follow the steps detailed above.

Can I reverse the horizontal axis in a scatter plot?

Yes, you can reverse the horizontal axis in a scatter plot. Follow the steps for reversing the axis in Excel detailed above.

How to show negative values below the X-axis?

To display negative values below the X-axis, you can reverse the axis by following the steps in this blog post. This process will display negative values below the X-axis.

Can I change the scale of the axis independently?

Yes, it is possible to adjust the scale of the X and Y axis independently in Excel. To do this, select the axis you want to edit, and follow the steps for changing the axis scale detailed in this post.

How can I reverse the order of data in a pivot chart?

You can reverse the order of data on a pivot chart by using the Filter Field feature. Select the chart area, open the Pivot Table Fields dialog box, and then drag the field you want to reverse into the Filters pane. Finally, click on “Sort A to Z” or “Sort Z to A.”