Hi,

Maybe breaking the Y axis would help.
http://www.andypope.info/charts/brokencolumn.htm

Cheers
Andy

--

Andy Pope, Microsoft MVP - Excel
http://www.andypope.info
"suejay" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Andy - it worked - it still poses a challenge because 3 of the
stacked columns are really tiny. I appreciate all your help!
Sue

"Andy Pope" wrote:

Create a stacked column chart on the range A1:C5 , where that range
contains
the following data
Note: <empty is used to denote actual empty cell if included it will be
treated as zero.

<empty Data1 Data2
a 1 2
b 2 3
c 3 4
d 4 3

Use the Source data dialog to add 2 more series called DataLabels and
LeaderLines
Select the Datalabels series and change to xy scatter chart type.
Repeat for Leaderlines series

Add the following data to range E1:G9
X Y Label
1.5 0.5 a1
2.5 1 b1
3.5 1.5 c1
4.5 2 d1
1.5 2 a2
2.5 3.5 b2
3.5 5 c2
4.5 5.5 d2

Via the source data dialog set the range for the Datalabels series to be
XValues: =E2:E9
YValues: =F2:F9

Add the following data to range I1:J24
X Y
1.5 0.5
1 0.5
<empty <empty
2.5 1
2 1
<empty <empty
3.5 1.5
3 1.5
<empty <empty
4.5 2
4 2
<empty <empty
1.5 2
1 2
<empty <empty
2.5 3.5
2 3.5
<empty <empty
3.5 5
3 5
<empty <empty
4.5 5.5
4 5.5

Via the source data dialog set the data for LeaderLines series to be
XValues: =I2:I24
YValues: =J2:J24

Format LeaderLines series to have no marker a line style of choice.

Format datalabels series to have no marker or line style.
You need to apply data labels and link those to the range G2:G9. Quickest
way to do this is with this free add-in.
http://www.appspro.com/Utilities/ChartLabeler.htm

You should now have a stacked column chart with data labels to the right
of
each column centered within each point.
By adjusting the datalabel and leaderlines x any positions you can place
the
labels where ever you linke within the plotarea.
You can even use formula to calculate the positions so you have dynamic
positioning.

Cheers
Andy

--

Andy Pope, Microsoft MVP - Excel
http://www.andypope.info
"suejay" wrote in message
...
Hi Andy-
Thanks for your suggestion - yes, we are forced to manually move the
data
labels because the charts need to be small enough to fit on a
PowerPoint
slide. How would I fake the leader lines with a dummy xy scatter
series?
It's worth a try!

"Andy Pope" wrote:

Hi,

Pie charts are the only ones with built-in leader lines.
Stack column charts only have the option of positioning the labels
Top,
Middle or bottom of column.

Are you manually moving the data labels?

I guess, as long as the chart is not 3d, you could fake the leader
lines
using dummy xy scatter series.

Cheers
Andy

--

Andy Pope, Microsoft MVP - Excel
http://www.andypope.info
"suejay" wrote in message
...
Help! Is there any way to use automatic leader lines to the data
labels
with
stacked column charts???
Thanks!