Microsoft Excel: How to set logarithmic scaling

The linear representation in charts is suitable if all data series lie in a similar value range. If this is not the case, logarithmic scaling is a good choice. We explain how it works.

Clear ratios: Logarithmic scaling can improve visual comparability.

The logarithm allows data with different size ranges to be grouped together in a chart in a way that makes visual sense.

Excel: Logarithmic scaling set with a few clicks

Proceed as follows:

1. Double-click on the Y axis of your chart.
2. On the right, an additional window called "Format Axis" will now open.
3. Tick "Logarithmic Scaling" under "Axis Options".

The default base is 10, but you are of course free to enter a different number if desired. In most cases, base 10 is sufficient anyway and is therefore considered the default. Please note that negative and zero values cannot be displayed correctly logarithmically. Also important: Logarithmic scaling is only possible for the Y-axis in this way, since this is defined as the value range. If you would like to scale the X-axis logarithmically, a point XY diagram is necessary for this.