Formula in Excel graph

Question

I am creating a line graph in Excel 2007. What I would like to achieve is to specify a formula in the chart data range.

What I have now in the chart data range is:

=SHEET1!$B$1:$W$1;SHEET1!$B$7:$W$7 

This simply creates a line graph using the B1,C1,D1,... and B7,C7,D7... values.

However, I would like to manipulate the second data ($B$7:$W$7) by dividing it another row and then use the result in the graph. So the result should be something like:

=SHEET1!$B$1:$W$1;SHEET1!($B$7:$W$7/$B$8:$W$8)

This formula returns error. I need B7 divided by B8, then C7 divided by C8 and so on. And the calculated result should be used in the graph.

PS: I know that I can easily create a new row for my calculation and create a graph with it. But I was wondering if that calculation can be made on the fly when creating the graph.

Thanks

Answer 1

You can use a Named Range to accomplish this. Create a Named Range that has the calculation you want to chart (e.g. named range value=Sheet1!$B$7:$W$7/Sheet1!$B$8:$W$8). Then, add this Named Range as a data series to your chart and it will automatically calc your series for you-without the need of a "cheater row".