How to plot x values to reverse order, when using both primary and secondary y-axis?

Question

Hi! I'm trying to make an x-y-scatter with both primary and secondary y-axis, but so that the x values would actually be in reverse order. With just primary y-axis, it is quite simple to turn the x-axis, still leaving the primary y-axis where it is, by checking both "values in reverse order" as well as the "values cross at maximum value" boxes. However, when I want to add a series to secondary y-axis (so that this axis would cross the x axis at miminum value), the x-values of the new series won't turn to reverse order as they should. So I end up with correct values in the first series at primary axis (meaning that the x values are descending). However the series at secondary axis will show the x values incorrectly, so that the x values are ascending, even thought the x axis itself shows descending values.. This is very annoying, as I would really need to be able to plot series to different y-axises, so that the x values would still match the values shown at x axis.

I have also tried to make the chart in different order (first put data series to both y-axises and only after this reverse the x axis), but the problem remains and only the x values of the series plotted in primary axis will "turn", whereas the values of secondary axis won't..

Is there anyway to make this work? Or is there some easier way to make this? For example it would be great to be able to add three different data sets already when creating the data series, but I don't know if you can really do that..?

I'm truly grateful for any ideas!

Answer 1

Hello,

start with an empty XY chart.

Use the "Select Data" dialog and add the first series. Format the X axis and set it to plot "Values in reverse order".

Use the "Select Data" dialog and add the second series. It will be plotted with x values in reverse order. Format that series it to be on the secondary axis. Now it will be plotted with x values in regular order.

Use the Layout ribbon > Axes drop-down and show the secondary X axis. Format the secondary X axis to show in reverse order.

Now both data series show in reverse order. You can set crossing points for each X axis separately.

Once you are happy with the result, format the secondary X axis to have no tick marks, axis labels, or lines to make it disappear.

Answer 2

Oh great, thanks!

I was actually thinking at some point whether this had something to do with secondary x-axis or not, but as it didn't appear automatically, I didn't know how to solve it.. So thank you very much!

And actually you don't even have to format the axis yourself to remove everything separately, after choosing the right scales etc. you can just go back to "axes" and select "none" so that the secondary axis appears compeletely. The values will remain as you set them. :)

Answer 3

Use the Layout ribbon > Axes drop-down and show the secondary X axis. Format the secondary X axis to show in reverse order.

 It is really helpful. I didn't know there is a secondary X axis:)