A Y axis is the vertical axis in a chart. It usually shows the measured value or scale.
Y axis
The Y axis is the vertical scale in a chart, often used to show the measured value being compared.
Quick facts about the Y axis
Vertical scale
The Y axis usually runs from bottom to top and shows the scale used to read values in a chart.
Shows measurements
It often displays values such as revenue, cost, quantity, percentage, margin or response time.
Needs clear labels
A clear Y axis should show the right unit, scale and label so users understand what is being measured.
Helps read size
The Y axis helps users understand how large or small a data point is compared with other values.
How the Y axis works
The Y axis gives meaning to the height or position of data in a chart. In a revenue chart, it may show currency. In a conversion chart, it may show percentage. In an operations report, it may show counts, time or volume.
Common Y axis examples include:
- Revenue in a sales trend
- Percentage in a conversion report
- Number of tickets in a support dashboard
- Average delivery time in an operations chart
The Y axis should make the measure easy to read. If the unit, scale or starting point is unclear, users may misread the chart or overestimate the difference between values.
Why the Y axis matters in BI reporting
The Y axis matters because it explains what a chart is measuring. A chart can look simple, but without a clear vertical scale users may not understand whether they are looking at revenue, units, percentages or time.
In Power BI, the Y axis is part of how report creators make data readable and reliable. Skald BI helps teams share finished Power BI reports through a secure branded portal, so customers, partners and internal users can access reports where the data is presented clearly and in the right context.
Use cases
See how different types of organisations use Skald BI to share Power BI securely with employees, customers and partners.
Contact us
Try Skald BI for free
Whether you’re looking for expert advice, tailored
solutions, or have a specific inquiry, reach out to
our team.
No set up. Live fast.
Support contact
Follow us
Frequently asked questions
The Y axis is used to show the value being measured, such as revenue, quantity, percentage or time.
What is the difference between the Y axis and X axis?
The Y axis usually shows the measured value. The X axis usually organizes the chart by category, time period or another dimension.
What is an example of a Y axis in Power BI?
In a monthly sales chart, the Y axis may show revenue while the X axis shows the months.
How does the Y axis relate to Skald BI?