How to Switch Axis in Microsoft Excel

Switch Axis in Microsoft Excel

• Step 1. Selecting Your Chart

  

  To begin switching axes in Microsoft Excel, the first action is to select the chart you wish to modify. Click on your desired chart to activate it. This action will highlight the chart and bring up the Chart Tools tabs on the Excel ribbon. Once the chart is selected, you will notice the ribbon displaying specific options for chart manipulation. These options are conveniently organized under two tabs: ‘Design’ and ‘Format.’ The tools you need for switching axes are located under the ‘Design’ tab. If you need more help with charts, check out how to make a chart in Excel.

• Step 2. Accessing the ‘Switch Row/Column’ Feature

  

  With your chart now selected, move to the ‘Design’ tab on the Excel ribbon. Look for the ‘Data’ group within this tab. Here, you will find the ‘Switch Row/Column’ feature. When you click this option, Excel will interchange the data on the x-axis with that on the y-axis, effectively switching the axes of your chart. Please note that this feature is applicable only if your chart is designed with two axes. If your chart includes only one axis, the ‘Switch Row/Column’ option will appear inactive or greyed out. Also, learn about the top 10 Excel chart shortcuts you need to know.

• Step 3. Verifying the Adjustments

  Upon selecting the ‘Switch Row/Column’ option, Excel will instantly apply the changes to your chart. It is vital to verify these adjustments to ensure that the axes have been switched as intended. Examine the data labels on both the x-axis and y-axis. Post-switching, the labels that were previously on the x-axis should now be on the y-axis, and the labels from the y-axis should have moved to the x-axis. If the labels remain unchanged, you may need to revisit the previous steps to ensure the process is completed successfully.