How to Change the Y-Axis Values in Microsoft Excel Charts

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to customize y-axis values in your Excel charts.

Quick summary

To change the Y-axis values in a Microsoft Excel chart, open the Format Axis panel via the Chart menu and adjust the Bounds and Major Units under the Vertical Axis settings. This lets you control the minimum, maximum, and interval values displayed on your chart's y-axis.

Steps

Inside your Microsoft Excel worksheet, select the chart you wish to edit.
Head over to the top menu bar and click the 'Chart' option.
Choose 'Select Data' from the available options.
Click the 'Format' tab to access the chart settings related to the y-axis values.
Select 'Vertical Axis' from the list of options.
Navigate to the Bounds section and change the default Minimum and Maximum values to edit the data range.
Change the default value of Major Units under the Units section to edit the data interval.
After completing these steps, the y-axis values of the selected chart will be updated based on your input.

📌 Why this matters

Knowing how to change the Y-axis values in Microsoft Excel charts gives users precise control over how data is visualized, making charts easier to read and interpret. By adjusting the minimum, maximum, and major unit intervals on the vertical axis, users can eliminate misleading scale distortions and highlight meaningful data trends. This is an essential Excel skill for analysts, students, and business professionals who rely on accurate chart formatting to communicate insights clearly. Customizing axis bounds and intervals directly impacts the clarity and credibility of any data-driven report or presentation.

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