One possibility is that the X values are not numeric as Excel sees
them. In an empty cell in the first row with data enter
=ISNUMBER({x}) where {x} is the cell containing the x value. Copy
this down to cover all the rows with data. All the results should be
TRUE.

Another possibility is that you are using the Line Chart, which looks
very much like a XY Scatter Chart but the x values are category
values. If so, make sure you are really using a XY Scatter Chart.

On Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:45:01 -0800, Eric_G
wrote:

I have created a scatterplot where the X value is to be one value (risk) and
the Y value is to be another (return). I've entered the X and Y value ranges
properly and the y value is being plotted correctly, BUT the X value is not
being plotted as the correct X value. Instead, the X value is being
interpreted as the relative ranking in the list. In other words,

# in list X value Y Value
1 12.2 13.7
2 10.7 11.3
etc.

The graph is currently plotting the values as (1,13.7), then (2,11.3) and
NOT with the correct X values as listed in the chart. I've checked the
ranges and there's nothing indicating that the graph should look to the
"relative position" for the x-axis value. What gives?

thanks,
Eric
Regards,

Tushar Mehta
Microsoft MVP Excel 2000-present
www.tushar-mehta.com
Excel and PowerPoint tutorials and add-ins