thank again Peter,

ive also tried the code using chartobjects(1) for the named chart. I
still have the same problem

What is absolutely astonishing is that I can change the chart
successfully in the immediate window using...

ActiveSheet.ChartObjects("Chart
2").Chart.Axis(xlValue).TickLabels.NumberFormat = "0%;[Red](0%)"

but as soon as i try it in code, it doesnt want to know.

Could this be a hint at something I'm failing to take into account?

regards,

david