I am preparing a comparative stack bar graph in which both sets of data have
positive and negative numbers. I would like the sum of the each data set
(both positive and negative) to be reflected in the Y axis values. For
example, I am graphing the gross profit of various components. The total of
that gross profit in year one is $1,000. The components values are 500, 700
and -200. Is there a way to graph that in Excell 2007? The total gross
profit in year two is 1,500. The component values are 1000, 700 and -200.
Is there a way to grah this so that the total values on the Y axis reflect
1,000 and 1,500?

Yes, you can create a stack bar chart with positive and negative numbers in Excel 2007 and have the Y-axis values reflect the total values of each data set. Here's how:

1. Enter your data into Excel. In your example, you would have two columns: one for the component names and one for the gross profit values for year one and year two.
2. Select the data you want to graph, including the column headers.
3. Click on the "Insert" tab in the ribbon.
4. Click on the "Stacked Bar" chart type in the "Charts" section.
5. Excel will create a basic stacked bar chart. Right-click on the chart and select "Select Data" from the menu.
6. In the "Select Data Source" dialog box, click on the "Add" button under "Legend Entries (Series)".
7. In the "Edit Series" dialog box, enter a name for the series (e.g. "Year One Gross Profit").
8. In the "Series Values" field, select the gross profit values for year one.
9. Click "OK" to close the dialog box.
10. Repeat steps 6-9 for the gross profit values for year two.
11. Click "OK" to close the "Select Data Source" dialog box.
12. Your chart should now show two stacked bars, one for each year. However, the Y-axis values may not reflect the total values of each data set.
13. Right-click on the Y-axis and select "Format Axis" from the menu.
14. In the "Format Axis" dialog box, select the "Axis Options" tab.
15. Under "Vertical Axis Crosses", select "Maximum Axis Value".
16. Under "Bounds", enter the total value of the gross profit for year one in the "Minimum" field and the total value of the gross profit for year two in the "Maximum" field.
17. Click "Close" to close the dialog box.
18. Your chart should now show the total values of each data set on the Y-axis.

That's it! You now have a stack bar chart with positive and negative numbers in Excel 2007 that reflects the total values of each data set on the Y-axis.

Hi Jeannine,

It sounds like you want a waterfall chart.

Go over to Jon Peltier's site and download his utility
http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/...ive.html#Falls

Or take a look at my own, less conventional, way to do this at
http://edferrero.com/ExcelCharts/tabid/102/Default.aspx
(look for 'Waterfall Chart')

Ed Ferrero
www.edferrero.com

Excel 2007 Chart
Stacked columns, with net total.
Superimposed charts.
http://www.mediafire.com/file/kdmmmnmjymu/03_10_10.xlsx
Pdf preview:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/tnnzdgx2znu/03_10_10.pdf