Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated December 8, 2018)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Microsoft 365
Michael wonders if there is a way to format axis labels on his charts so that they are at an angle when compared to the actual axis line. He would like his axis labels to be at an approximate 45-degree angle.
How you go about adjusting the angle depends on the version of Excel you are using. If you are using Excel 2007 or Excel 2010, follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Format Axis dialog box.
If you are using Excel 2013 or a later version, the steps are just a bit different. (They are largely different because Microsoft did away with the Format Axis dialog box, choosing instead to use a task pane.)
Figure 2. The Text Box options in the Format Axis task pane.
Your changes should be immediately reflected in the axis labels.
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2019-06-09 14:11:57
Antonio
Mine is also greyed out and I don't understand why...
2018-11-26 13:27:18
Jean Williams
why is this option greyed out on my version for Excel 2016
2018-06-19 09:14:29
Kila Gwet
Thanks Allen, it helped adjusting the angle of axis labels in Excel 2016!
2018-01-07 13:33:12
Good grief.
And if you do choose a Custom angle, it must be an integer from -89 to +89 degrees.
They've really outdone themselves this time; thanks, Micky.
2018-01-07 03:27:36
Michael (Micky) Avidan
@Michael Armstrong,
If I'm not mistaken - the angle can only be set when the direction was set to HORIZONTAL otherwise it will be Grayed out..
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Michael (Micky) Avidan
“Microsoft® Answers" - Wiki author & Forums Moderator
“Microsoft®” Excel MVP – Excel (2009-2018)
ISRAEL
2018-01-06 15:02:22
MIchael Armstrong
In my version of Excel (I think 365, but there's no longer a "help about" facility to find out), the Custom Angle control is grayed out.
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