Can't remove decimals from chart value axis

Question

Level 1

126 points

Can't remove decimals from chart value axis

After several hours trying to create a simple bar graph in Pages (iWork '08) for a class assignment, I am at a loss. To any kind soul who can help, I will be very grateful.

Here is the dilemma.
In Pages '08, I selected a blank document, clicked on the Chart icon, and in the Chart Data Editor I entered titles for 2 rows, and title for 3 columns along with their values. Then in the Chart Inspector I entered the following values under Value Axis Format: minimum= 3, Maximum= 26, and Steps=9.

I Need to have along the y-axis (the left column, from bottom to top) the numbers starting from 3 up to 26, in increments of 3, i.e. 3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24 and at the top 26.
I have the correct sets of columns which is: 3 sets of bar graphs (2 bars side-by-side, 3 sets).

The problem I have is that I NEED the left column of numbers, my y-axis, to be whole numbers. But Pages keeps converting them into whole numbers with 3 decimal places to the right. How can I fix this? I've tried searching and find no answers to this. And I do need the step increments to be exactly as I stated. There must be a way.

In God's Harmony,
RODDY

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.4), Pages iWork 08

Posted on Aug 29, 2008 5:46 PM

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Answer 1

HazyRigby

Level 2

404 points

Aug 29, 2008 10:33 PM in response to rawsaxy

Hi rawsaxy,

If you want those numbers to be whole numbers, you're going to need to specify a minimum value axis format number that divides equally into the maximum. For example, if you set the minimum at 3 and the maximum at 27 (and set the steps to 8), the values are whole.

I don't know how important it would be for that top number to be 26; if you're just trying to show what your highest value is, you can do that on the chart by going to the Series tab under the Chart Inspector and selecting "Show value" under the Data Point Settings drop-down menu. This will put a number over the bars of your bar graph indicating exactly what value that bar represents and will eliminate the need to have your y-axis represent your exact values.

Hope this helps!

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Answer 2

rawsaxy Author

Level 1

126 points

Aug 29, 2008 10:42 PM in response to HazyRigby

Hazy,

I will try your suggestions and post my findings. It's almost 2AM now and I need to get some sleep, but I will respond and let you know if it worked. Thanks.

In God's Harmony,
RODDY

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Answer 3

rawsaxy Author

Level 1

126 points

Aug 30, 2008 6:58 PM in response to HazyRigby

YESSSS! Thank you. That did it. I was wondering if you know if it's possible to move the Category Labels downward or upward on the X-axis underneath the bars themselves. I was able to click and drag the Legend, but not the Category Labels which would be good if i could so they're not to close to the bars.

In God's Harmony,
RODDY

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Answer 4

HazyRigby

Level 2

404 points

Aug 31, 2008 1:10 AM in response to rawsaxy

You're welcome!

I don't think there's any way to move the category labels. You can change the orientation under the Chart Inspector or by going to Format > Chart > Format X-Axis and then changing "Horizontal Labels" to "Diagonal Labels" or something; that might give you more white space.

Another way to add more space (in a time-consuming way) would be to go to Format > Chart > Format X-Axis, deselect "Show Category Labels," and then create your own text boxes with the numbers you want. You can then position these exactly as you like, and then if you select all of the chart elements and go to Arrange > Group, you can move it around just as if Pages created it. Make sense?

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Answer 5

rawsaxy Author

Level 1

126 points

Aug 31, 2008 10:51 AM in response to HazyRigby

To quote a famous tiger, "You're greattttt!" 🙂
It makes perfect sense. I really appreciate your speedy responses and insight. I was use to working with the former ClarisWorks and then Appleworks from 10 years ago on a PowerMac 8600/300. Then I started using more of Microsoft's Word and Excel (still don't like Access, prefer Appleworks database system, too bad it's gone) on the PC. I realize there are different ways of doing things from Excel and others that aren't possible. So I really am grateful for all your help Hazy.

In God's Harmony,
RODDY

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Answer 6

HazyRigby

Level 2

404 points

Aug 31, 2008 12:08 PM in response to rawsaxy

No problem, Roddy. Glad to be of service! 🙂

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