Ampler Charts lets you set the axis maximum and tick-mark spacing by dragging handles on the axis, and toggle tick labels, marks, and gridlines from the right-click menu.
Quick answer: Drag the handle at the top of the axis to set the maximum value, and the handle at the bottom to set the tick-mark spacing; right-click the Y-axis to toggle tick labels, tick marks, or gridlines.
How to use it
Drag the axis handles to set the maximum and the tick spacing.
- Drag the handle at the top of the axis to adjust the maximum value.
- Drag the handle at the bottom to adjust the tick-mark spacing.
- Right-click the Y-axis to toggle tick labels, tick marks, or gridlines.
Controlling the scale and tick spacing sets how the data reads — the range it’s shown against and how finely it’s marked.
When to use it
Set the scale deliberately when charts must be compared — give them the same maximum. Add tick marks or gridlines when readers need to read exact values, not just the shape of the data.
How consultants use it
The axis scale frames the data, and consultants set it deliberately so an exhibit is both clear and fair. Three habits apply:
- Frame the data honestly: the scale is chosen so the chart neither exaggerates nor flattens the story
- Readable tick spacing: gridlines and ticks are spaced so values are easy to read off
- Consistent across exhibits: related charts share a scale so they can be compared
Setting the scale and ticks makes a chart both readable and fair.
Tips & best practices
- Keep scales consistent across charts meant to be compared.
- Add gridlines where readers need to read exact values.
- Avoid a truncated axis that overstates a difference — a common way charts mislead.
Availability
Part of Ampler Charts, included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you change the axis scale in an Ampler chart?
Drag the handle at the top of the axis to set the maximum, and the handle at the bottom to set the tick-mark spacing.
How do you add gridlines to a chart?
Right-click the Y-axis in Ampler Charts and toggle on Gridlines (you can also toggle tick labels and tick marks).
Should charts share the same axis scale?
Yes — charts meant to be compared should use the same maximum, or differences will look bigger or smaller than they are.
How do you set tick-mark spacing?
Drag the lower handle on the axis to adjust the spacing between tick marks.