Axis pointer
![](axispointer4.gif)
Using a data label on a dummy data series.
Here is our data set. The actual chart data is in the range A1:B6
The values in A10:B10 are for positioning the dummy data point
A | B | |
1 | My Data | |
2 | Jan | 2 |
3 | Feb | 3.5 |
4 | Mar | 4 |
5 | Apr | 5.5 |
6 | May | 8 |
7 | ||
8 | ||
9 | X | Y |
10 | 5.5 | 0 |
Select the range A1:B6 and use the chart wizard to create a standard Line chart.
![](axispointer1.gif)
Right click the chart, which will display a popup menu, select the Source Data... item. Add a new data series, which I have called 'Axis Arrow'
![](axispointer2.gif)
Change the Chart Type of the 'Axis Arrow' data series to XY Scatter, markers only. Format the 'Axis Arrow' data series so Value data labels are displayed.
![](axispointer3.gif)
Then use the Source Data dialog again to set the X and Y ranges.
![](axispointer6.gif)
Edit the data label and replace the text with 4. If we then format the data label to use the Marlett font we will get a right hand arrow head. Increase the font size to suit your chart. Also adjust the label position so that it is centered over the data point.
![](axispointer5.gif)
This will then give use the axis pointer.
![](axispointer4.gif)
The same technique can be adapted for the Y axis.
3 |
3 |
Left |
4 |
4 |
Right |
5 |
5 |
Up |
6 |
6 |
Down |
Create the chart and add a new data series as described above. No need for data labels this time.
![](axispointer8.gif)
![](axispointer7.gif)
![](axispointer9.gif)
![](axispointer10.gif)
Created August 2004
Last updated 5th August 2014