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How to reverse axis order in Excel?

Author Sun Last modified

Sometimes, you may need to reverse axis order in a chart. For example, in a bar chart, compared with the data, the axis order is reversed in default, in this case, you may want to reverse the axis order to meet the data order as show as below. Now this tutorial will tell you how to reverse the axis order quickly in Excel.

normal axis order doc arrow right reverse axis order

Reverse axis order in chart

arrow blue right bubble Reverse axis order in chart

There is an option in Format Axis dialog for reversing the axis order.

1. Right click the y axis you want to reverse, and select Format Axis from the context menu. See screenshot:

Right click the y axis and select Format Axis

2. Then in the popping Format Axis pane, under Axis Options tab, check Categories in a reverse order option, then check At maximum category option.

check Categories in a reverse order option in the pane

Tip: In bar chart, reserve the x axis with righting click the x axis and selecting the Format Axis from context menu, then checking the Values in reverse order.

Now the Y-axis has been reversed

the Y-axis is reversed

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