OFF: Converting Graph Charts to Percentage Format

• Microsoft Graph 98 Macintosh Edition
• Microsoft Graph 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Graph for the Macintosh, version 5.0
• Microsoft Graph for Windows 95, version 5.0
• Microsoft Graph for Windows, version 5.0
• Microsoft PowerPoint 98 Macintosh Edition
• Microsoft PowerPoint for the Macintosh, version 4.0
• Microsoft PowerPoint 97 for Windows
• Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows 95, version 7.0
• Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows, versions 4.0, 4.0a, 4.0c
• Microsoft Office 98 Macintosh Edition
• Microsoft Office for the Macintosh, versions 4.2, 4.2.1
• Microsoft Office 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Office for Windows 95, version 7.0
• Microsoft Office for Windows, versions 4.2, 4.2c, 4.3,4.3c

SYMPTOMS

When you convert numbers to percentages in an existing Graph 5.0 chart, the resulting percentages may be much too large. For example, the number 45 will be converted to 4500%.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because of the way Graph 5.0 deals with numbers: when you type in the number 25, Graph interprets the number as 2500%; however, when you type the number .25, graph interprets the number as 25%, or one quarter.

RESOLUTION

To convert an existing column chart from the number format to the percentage format, use any of the following methods.

Method 1: To Convert the Entire Chart to the Percentage Format

1. Double-click the numbers in the value axis (the y axis on a 2D chart or the z axis on a 3D chart).

2. In the Format Axis dialog box, click the Scale tab and type "%" (without the quotation marks) after each of the values in the Minimum box, the Maximum box, the Major Unit box, the Minor Unit box, and the Floor Crosses At values box.

3. Click the Number tab.

4. In the Category list, select Percentage.

5. Click 0% in the list of Format Codes.

6. Click OK.

7. On the View menu, click Datasheet.

8. Click once in the first cell whose value you want to represent as a percentage.

9. Re-enter the value in the proper format. For example, the number 20.4 should be re-entered as .204 or as 20.4%.

10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 to change the values in all of the remaining cells.

Method 2: Append a Percent Sign

To append a percent sign to the numbers on the value axis:

1. Double-click the numbers in the value axis (the y axis on a 2D chart or the z axis on a 3D chart).

2. In the Format Axis dialog box, click the Number tab.

3. In the Category list, click Custom.

4. In the Code box, type the following four characters, and click OK:

         #"%"
   

         -or-
   

         0\%
   

   The Value Axis numbers will now appear with a percent sign next to them.