Sure, here is an article on how to create a break in a line graph in Excel:
How to Insert a Break in a Line Graph in Excel
Line graphs are widely used in Excel to represent trends and patterns in data over time. However, there are instances when the data contains a significant gap or break, making it challenging to visualize the trends accurately. In such cases, inserting a break in the line graph can help in effectively portraying the data without misleading the audience.
Here are the steps to insert a break in a line graph in Excel:
1. Data Preparation:
Before creating the line graph, ensure that the data is properly organized in Excel. The data should be in columns or rows, with the x-axis values (usually representing time) in one column or row and the corresponding y-axis values in another.
2. Create the Line Graph:
Select the data range in Excel that you want to plot on the line graph. Then, go to the “Insert” tab and click on “Line” from the Charts group. Choose from various line graph options available, such as line with markers, stacked line, or 100% stacked line based on your data requirement.
3. Insert a Secondary Data Series:
In order to create the break in the line graph, you need to add a secondary data series. This will allow you to split the line graph where the break occurs. To do this, select the cell that contains the break point in the x-axis values, and insert a blank row or column in the data range to separate the data before and after the break point.
4. Adjust the Chart Data:
After adding the blank row or column, modify the chart data to include the secondary data series. Click on the chart, and then go to the “Design” tab, select “Select Data”, and click on “Add” to add the secondary data series. Specify the range for the break point and the corresponding y-axis values.
5. Create the Break:
Once the secondary data series is added, go to the Format Data Series pane. Under the Series Options, choose the option for “Plot Series On” and select “Secondary Axis”. This will plot the secondary data series on a secondary y-axis, effectively creating a break in the line graph.
6. Format the Secondary Axis:
After creating the break, format the secondary y-axis to ensure that it aligns with the primary y-axis and the data is accurately represented. Adjust the range, scale, and other properties of the secondary y-axis as needed.
By following these steps, you can effectively insert a break in a line graph in Excel, allowing you to accurately portray data with significant gaps or breaks. This technique can help in presenting data more effectively and improve the visual clarity of your line graphs.
