Convert X-Axis primary and secondry horizontal axise into log scale.

Chaturvedi, Santosh 340 Reputation points
2026-09-04T08:38:04.7933333+00:00

Hello --

In MS excel combo graph

I want to change the y-axis and x.axis into log scale.

Y.axis is log scale is comming--> Ok (see below)

But on X-axis it is log scale is not schown in format X- Axis bar. I want to change teh primary and secomdry log scale both in log scale, but logscale tab is not visible.(see below.

Please sugegst

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Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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Aetherin 1,465 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-06T18:38:37.92+00:00

Hi @Chaturvedi, Santosh,

Thank you for the additional screenshot. You have completed the key part correctly.

What’s already working well is that you successfully converted Series1 to an XY (Scatter) chart. Because a Scatter chart uses numeric value axes for both the X and Y dimensions, Excel allows both axes to be formatted using a logarithmic scale.

Regarding why the X-axis for σx2 still cannot be set to a logarithmic scale, this behavior is actually expected and does not indicate a configuration mistake. The σx2 series is still defined as a standard Clustered Column series. Unlike a Scatter chart, a Clustered Column chart uses a Category Axis for its horizontal axis, and Category Axes do not support logarithmic scaling.

In your screenshot, the upper horizontal axis is the numeric Value Axis used by the Scatter series, while the lower horizontal axis is the Category Axis used by the Clustered Column series. Adding a secondary horizontal axis does not convert the Column series’ Category Axis into a numeric Value Axis. Therefore, the horizontal axis used by σx2 cannot be formatted logarithmically while σx2 remains a standard Clustered Column series.

To achieve a logarithmic X-axis for σx2, the recommended approach is to convert σx2 to an XY (Scatter) series as well. Doing so will provide σx2 with a numeric horizontal Value Axis that supports logarithmic scaling. You can follow the same conversion process that was used for Series1, confirm that the X and Y value ranges are assigned correctly, and then enable the Logarithmic scale option for the appropriate horizontal Value Axis.

If the two Scatter series are assigned to separate primary and secondary axis groups, make sure both horizontal Value Axes are displayed, and then format each axis separately.

Make sure all X-values are greater than zero, because a logarithmic axis cannot plot zero or negative values.

Note: After σx2 is converted to Scatter, it will no longer appear as a standard column series. Excel does not natively provide a true logarithmic horizontal Category Axis for a standard Clustered Column series. Retaining a column-like appearance would require a Scatter-based workaround. Therefore, converting both series to XY Scatter is the most straightforward solution when a true logarithmic X-axis is required.

If anything remains unclear or if you have any updates after trying the suggested steps, please feel free to get back to me. I'll be happy to continue helping and clarify further if needed.

Thank you for your time and patience.

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  1. Chaturvedi, Santosh 340 Reputation points
    2026-09-04T13:28:51.8566667+00:00

    Hello -- I am using combo chart -- USing scatter and column chart

    XY scatter shows log xy axis-->OK

    But in Bar chart the x-axis is not showing log value. (see below) I want the both axis in log scacle--

    Please advice..

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  2. Aetherin 1,465 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-04T09:14:52.0366667+00:00

    Hi @Chaturvedi, Santosh,

    Based on the information I was able to verify, this behavior is expected in Excel.

    Standard Column and Line charts use a Category Axis for the horizontal (X) axis. A Category Axis is designed to display and arrange labels as discrete categories and does not support logarithmic scaling.

    Microsoft documentation confirms that a horizontal Category Axis provides options such as Text axis, Date axis, label intervals, and category order, rather than numerical scaling options such as a logarithmic scale.

    To use a logarithmic X-axis, the data must be plotted as an XY (Scatter) chart, which uses a numeric value axis for the horizontal axis. This is also the recommended and most reliable solution.To convert the chart:

    • Select the chart and go to Chart Design > Change Chart Type.
    • Select XY (Scatter) and click OK.

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    • If necessary, go to Chart Design > Select Data and verify that each series uses the correct numeric ranges for Series X values and Series Y values.
    • Right-click the horizontal value axis and select Format Axis.
    • Under Axis Options, enable Logarithmic scale.

    Make sure all X-values are greater than zero, as a logarithmic scale cannot plot zero or negative values.

    For more information, see the following Microsoft documentation:

    I hope this explanation clarifies why you're seeing this behavior and helps you move forward with a workable solution.

    Please give these steps a try and let me know the outcome. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reply here and I'll be happy to help.


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