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To make the data in a chart easier to read, you can add major and minor chart gridlines that extend from the tick marks on a category (x) axis (axis: A line bordering the chart plot area used as a frame of reference for measurement. The y axis is usually the vertical axis and contains data. The x-axis is usually the horizontal axis and contains categories.) or value (y) axis across the plot area (plot area: In a 2-D chart, the area bounded by the axes, including all data series. In a 3-D chart, the area bounded by the axes, including the data series, category names, tick-mark labels, and axis titles.) of the chart.

1. Click a chart sheet (chart sheet: A sheet in a workbook that contains only a chart. A chart sheet is beneficial when you want to view a chart or a PivotChart report separately from worksheet data or a PivotTable report.) or an embedded chart (embedded chart: A chart that is placed on a worksheet rather than on a separate chart sheet. Embedded charts are beneficial when you want to view or print a chart or a PivotChart report with its source data or other information in a worksheet.) to select the chart to which you want to add chart gridlines.
2. On the Chart menu, click Chart Options.

   Note  If you don't see the Chart menu, make sure that a chart is selected.

3. On the Gridlines tab, select or clear the check boxes for the major and minor gridlines that you want to add to or remove from the chart.

Note  Chart gridlines are different from cell gridlines on a worksheet (worksheet: The primary document that you use in Excel to store and work with data. Also called a spreadsheet. A worksheet consists of cells that are organized into columns and rows; a worksheet is always stored in a workbook.). For more information, see Show or hide gridlines on a worksheet.