Show Gridlines in a Chart

To make the data in a chart that includes axes easier to read, you can show horizontal and vertical gridlines. You can show gridlines for the major or minor intervals on the axes.

You can also show alternating bands of color in the chart background that correspond to your axis gridlines.

You cannot show gridlines for chart types that do not display axes, such as pie and donut charts.

Procedure

  1. Select the axis chart object.
  2. To show alternating bands of color as your chart background, do the following:
    • In the Properties pane, click Gridlines.
    • Select the Show alternating color bands check box.
    • Set the color and transparency of the first and second colors.
  3. To show major gridlines as your chart background, do the following:
    • In the Properties pane, click Gridlines.
    • Select the Show major gridlines check box.
    • Set the color, style, and weight of the major gridlines.
    • If you are working with a gauge chart, specify the length of the gridline.
  4. To show minor gridlines as your chart background, do the following:
    • In the Properties pane, click Minor gridlines.
    • Select the Show minor gridlines check box.
    • Set the color, style, and weight of the minor gridlines.
    • If you are working with a gauge chart, specify the length of the gridline.
Parent topic: Customizing the Axes in a Chart