Excel -> time-scale in charts 1

[rayna]

Hi there...

This is my first posting, and I could not find anything archived on the subject, so I hope this is not a repeat of a previous thread.

I am attempting to map some data on a chart/graph over a six hour span so that the time is to scale, even if there are gaps in data readings. As long as the times are within one calendar day, I have no problems, providing I use a Scatter graph and alter the scale of the X-avis on the chart using some specific calculations.

The problem is that the data may need to be mapped from say, 9 PM - 3 AM, which is officially the next day, and the above solution does not work for this sort of data.

Does anyone know how to achieve this?

I'd appreciate all the help I can get.

Thanks!
Rayna

 

[Dreamboat]

I think this is more about having a knowledge of how Excel handles dates and times.

When you enter, for instance, 3:00 pm, Excel thinks you mean today. If you mean 3:00 am tomorrow, you MUST enter tomorrow's date too.

For more info:

http://www.cpearson.com/excel/datetime.htm#WorkHours

http://www.VictimPhotos.com

http://www.PiersonTech.com

Brainbench MVP for Microsoft Word
techsupportgirl@home.com

 

[rayna]

Thanks, Dreamboat:

Chip's site was really interesting. Although I didn't quite get what I was looking for, I bookmarked it for later use!

The problem is that in order to plot points on the graph and get them to scale, you have to convert the times into decimals (6 AM is 0.25000 etc...) and if you attempt to make, say 6 AM the next day into 1.25000 (which I have tried), the program won't graph anything above 1. It's like it stops just before 1, and only graphs the first part. It will nt do points above 1, and I have no idea why. One would think this could work.

Any ideas?

Rayna

 

[Dreamboat]

Right-click (on your chart) the labels that indicate only up to 1. Hit Format-Axis. Click the Scale tab. Make sure the minimum is Auto (at least for now) and not 1.

http://www.VictimPhotos.com

http://www.PiersonTech.com

Brainbench MVP for Microsoft Word
techsupportgirl@home.com