Baselines

Use a baseline to shift the position of plotted data in the chart based on a threshold amount. Baselines are an effective tools to track actual progress against a targeted value. Baselines operate by changing the coordinate origins of the diagram. They gives the appearance of moving the X, Y or Y1 axis to another position. Data above the baseline amount appears in the top sector of the diagram separated by a break line from data below the baseline.

There a separate baseline settings for Y and Y1 axes. When the baselines is enabled, the horizontal axis (or horizontal plane for 3D charts) intersects both Y and Y1 axes at their baseline values.

In the following example, the baseline has been set at $150,000 for amount sales. Berlin, British Columbia, and Stockholm are above the baseline. Bayern and Nordfhein Westfhalen are below the baseline.

Image shows an example of a baseline used in a chart.

  To add a baseline:

  1. Select the chart and on the shortcut menu, select Properties.

    The Chart Properties dialog box is displayed.

  2. Select the Values Axis tab.

  3. Enable the Baseline field.

  4. Enter a baseline amount in the edit box.

  5. Click OK.