Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 9, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 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.
There is one potential gotcha here—if is possible that you may want to set the angle for the axis label, but you discover that the Custom Angle control is grayed out. If this is the case, check to make sure that the Text Direction drop-down list is set to Horizontal. Any other setting here, and you won't be able to specify an angle.
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2023-09-10 00:29:28
Sandy
Thanks for this tip.
I have regularly used angle adjustment in the past, but spent a fruitless hour looking for the current hiding spot yesterday. perfect timing!
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