Ampler Charts lets you set the Y-axis number format — decimals, and custom prefixes or suffixes such as a currency sign — by clicking the axis.
Quick answer: Left-click the Y-axis, click Number format, and set the decimal places or type a custom format (for example a $ prefix).
How to use it
Click the Y-axis, then set decimals or a custom format.
- Left-click on the Y-axis.
- Click Number format and select the number of decimal places.
- Type a custom number format directly in the field, for example a $ prefix.
Pre- and post-fixes can also be added to the labels by clicking twice on the labels. The axis then shows values in the right units and precision.
When to use it
Format the axis numbers whenever the units aren’t obvious — add a currency sign or a percentage — and match the precision to the data labels on the chart.
How consultants use it
Axis labels have to carry the right units and the right precision, or the chart is ambiguous. Three habits apply:
- The right units on the axis: a currency sign or a percentage makes the axis unambiguous
- Appropriate precision: decimals are set to what the figures need, no more
- Consistent with the labels: the axis format matches the data labels on the chart
Formatting the Y-axis numbers makes the scale clear and correctly denominated.
Tips & best practices
- Add a currency or unit prefix so the axis is unambiguous.
- Keep decimals to what the data needs — excess decimals add noise.
- Match the axis format to the segment or total labels.
Availability
Part of Ampler Charts, included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you add a currency sign to a chart axis?
Left-click the Y-axis in Ampler Charts, click Number format, and type a custom format such as a $ prefix.
How do you change decimal places on a chart axis?
Left-click the Y-axis, click Number format, and select the number of decimal places.
How do you show a chart axis in thousands or millions?
Use the custom number format field on the Y-axis to add the unit (e.g. a ‘m’ suffix) and set the decimals, so the axis reads in the right magnitude.
How do you add a prefix or suffix to axis labels?
Click twice on the labels and add a prefix or suffix; the values still update automatically.