A slight problem with drawing data on ranking is how we normally think about ranking.

We normally associate “#1” as the best, and “#10” as worse compared to “#1”. But Excel chart typically shows a bigger number in a higher vertical position, and a smaller number in a lower position, as is shown in the below example:

Source: Author. Downloadable file at the end of the post.

As you can see, the orange ranking line points down as the ranking gets better, which does not look very up-lifting. After all, normally we say “Climb up the ranking” as we get better, right?

So we need to fix it.

It is a simple fix, fortunately. You just need to select the right axis, and right-click. Choose “Format Axis”. Then find the option “Value in Reverse Order”. The resulting picture, after some beautification, is the following:

Source: Author. Downloadable file at the end of the post.

Now that is much better, wouldn’t you say?

You can watch my video illustration:

You can download the file here, and play with it yourself.