graph problem - format value axis for text


Posted by J. Reinhardt on November 28, 2000 9:40 PM

In making a chart, I need to put text equivalents for the Y axis values ("always, often, sometimes, seldom, never" in place of "5,4,3,2,1"), although my data is numerical (Likert scale). I can't figure out how to change the Y axis values--it seems Excel will only let me use numerical values. Can anyone help?

-not a number person

Posted by Ben O. on November 29, 2000 7:02 AM

I don't think there's a way to add Category labels to the Y axis. I'd recommend clearing the axis labels and adding text boxes with "always," "often," etc.

-Ben



Posted by Tim Francis-Wright on November 29, 2000 7:58 AM

A (very) partial solution

Excel does let you replace up to two of the values
with text: if the Y-values have number format
[=1]"Never";[=5]"Always";0
(or [=1]"Never";[=5]"Always";)

then Never and Always will appear on the Y-Axis,
along with 2, 3, and 4 in the first instance
and nothing else in the second instance -- if
you choose "Linked to source" under Y-axis
format.

Obviously, this is easier than setting up text
boxes, but is probably less flexible.