How to Change Axis to Log Scale in Excel (3 Easy Ways)

Excel is a practical application. With Excel’s tools and capabilities, you can perform an endless number of operations on a dataset. Frequently, we must examine the percentage rise rather than the exact figures. A standard Chart Axis cannot correctly represent a limited number of numeric values if the other values are high. The logarithmic scale is among the most effective methods for analyzing percentages. This article examines three straightforward methods for applying a log scale to Chart Axis. Therefore, don’t hesitate to go through these three easy ways to Change Axis to Log Scale in Excel.

How to Change Axis to Log Scale in Excel: 3 Easy Ways

To illustrate this point, let’s examine a representative dataset. Month and Net Sales are columns in the following dataset. It is crucial to notice that the dataset we will work with has some numeric values, which are remarkably less than the other values. Firstly, we will design a typical Clustered Chart using the dataset’s information. The lower values will not have a better view in the chart. You should employ a logarithmic scale if the difference among values is huge or whether the data showing is much smaller or larger than the overall data. Utilizing all these three methods, we will change the chart Axis scale to Log Scale in Excel. I’ve also been using Microsoft Excel 365 to compose this post. You are free to select the version that best meets your needs. Whichever option you choose is acceptable to us.

1. Utilize Format Tab to Turn Axis to Logarithmic Scale in Excel

Excel’s Format Tab is hidden by default. However, the Format tab will appear in the ribbon when we begin dealing with a chart object. This subsection will apply a Logarithmic Scale to the chart’s horizontal Axis and vertical axis. Please follow these instructions carefully so that the Format Tab can help you complete your task.

STEPS:

First, select the B4:C10 range.

Second, navigate to the Insert tab and go to,

Insert → Charts → Recommended Charts

Subsequently, the Insert Chart window will open, then go to the Recommended Charts tab.
Later, pick the Clustered Column chart and hit OK.

Consequently, the intended chart will appear like the below one.
Next, click the Plus symbol.
Latterly, from the Charts Elements, check Axes and Gridlines.

At this point, click on the chart area and go to the Format tab, followed by Format Selection.

Next, pick the Down Arrow icon of the Chart Options and choose Vertical Axis.

After that, select the Axis Options icon.
Later, check the Logarithmic scale and input 10 in the Base section.

As a result, the desired output will display like the below one.

2. Using Context Menu to Establish Log Scale to Excel Chart Axis

The Context Menu is a list of options when you right-click an item. It contains shortcuts to everyday tasks the programmers assumed you’d need. Right-click menu is another name for the context menu. Whenever users right-click on a cell in Excel, the ensuing Context Menu is packed with options. To assign the Log ratio to an Axis in a chart, follow the instructions and use the Context Menu as shown below.

STEPS:

To begin, select the B4:C10 field.
Second, navigate to the Insert tab and click Recommended Charts.

Consequently, the Insert Chart window will open up, then go to the Recommended Charts.
After that, choose the Clustered Column chart and tap OK.

Due to this, the expected chart will appear, and click the Plus icon.
Later, from the Chart Elements, check the Axes and Gridlines options.
After that, right-click on any value of the Vertical Axis.

Subsequently, a context menu will pop up, and then choose Format Axis.

As a result, the Format Axis pane will appear.
Afterward, check the Logarithmic scale and write 10 in the Base option.

Finally, the proposed chart will be provided, like the following one.

3. Run Excel VBA Code to Change Axis to Log Ratio in Excel

The acronym for Visual Basic for Applications is VBA. Microsoft designed VBA. We can use Excel-incompatible functionalities via VBA code, and Excel’s VBA offers an innovative alternative for displaying a polar area chart. This tutorial will change a chart Axis to the Log Scale in Excel using VBA. Please complete the assignment by following these instructions.

STEPS:

Firstly, choose the desired sheet as the Active sheet.
Second, navigate to the Developer tab and pick the Visual Basic symbol.

After that, click on,

Insert → Module

Later, input the following formula into the Module box.
It is essential to modify the range and sheet name as your need.

Sub AxisLogarithmicScale()
    Range("B4:C10").Select
    ActiveSheet.Shapes.AddChart2(201, xlColumnClustered).Select
    ActiveChart.SetSourceData Source:=Range("ExcelVBA!$B$4:$C$10")
    ActiveChart.SetElement (msoElementChartTitleNone)
    ActiveChart.Axes(xlValue).Select
    ActiveChart.Axes(xlValue).ScaleType = xlLogarithmic
End Sub

Next, press F5 or click the Run symbol.

As a result, the expected output is shown below.

Download Practice Workbook

Change Axis to Log Scale.xlsm

Conclusion

From this point forward, you can Change Axis to Log Scale in Excel by following the methods we just covered. Continue utilizing them, and let us know if you have any additional ideas or other methods for finishing the assignment. Please send any queries or suggestions in the below space.

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