Format the scale of the vertical (value) axis so that the category axis
crosses at 0.001, not 1. Excel tries to cross at zero, and on a log
scale, log(1) is zero.

So right click on the vertical axis, choose Format from the pop up menu,
and on the main tab enter 0.001 for the Axis Crosses At value. in fact,
to make sure changing data does not force you to repeat this, choose a
very small value, like 0.0000000001. As long as the minimum of the axis
is greater than or equal to the value you enter, the X axis will cross
at the minimum of the Y axis.

It may be confusing to use a logarithmic scale in a bar chart. People
judge values by the length of the bars, which is why the Y axis of a bar
chart should always include zero. Since the lengths of bars on a log
scale are not proportional to the value but to the log of a value, you
should use a line or XY chart. People are more flexible when judging
values by the position of a marker along an axis.

- Jon
-------
Jon Peltier
Peltier Technical Services, Inc.
774-275-0064
http://peltiertech.com/


On 2/20/2010 12:51 PM, Simon wrote:

Hi,
First time post, so be nice to me!

I'm having a problem with Excel 2007 in that I cannot get it to format a
chart the way I would like it. I'm sure the issue is a simple one for
those in the know!

This is what the chart looks like in Excel:
http://img202.imageshack.us/i/excelaxispuzzle.jpg/

This is what I'd like it to look like:
http://img689.imageshack.us/i/excelaxisgood.jpg/

The second (good) shot is done in Star Office Calc. My Uni have provided
me with Star Office, but I'd like to use Excel as I've paid for it!

Thanks

Simon