# Axis

> A chart word, with the charts that use it.

**Definition.** An axis is the scale along the edge of a plot that gives marks their value. Its ticks and labels tell you what a position or a length is worth.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 010 · Line

- **01 The value axis.** Ticks up the side give each point its value.
- **02 The time axis.** Labels along the bottom place each point in time.

## Where you see it

- [001 · Bars](https://usechartory.com/charts/bars): Compare items · Fintech data
- [010 · Line](https://usechartory.com/charts/line): Change over time · AI data
- [034 · Scatter](https://usechartory.com/charts/scatter): Relationship · Crypto data

## Common mistakes

- **Too many tick labels** Crowded labels read as noise. Keep a few round values.
- **Two units on one axis** Dollars and percent on one scale flatten one of them. Give each its own axis.

## Questions

### Does every chart need an axis?

No. Charts that label their marks directly, such as a donut or a treemap, can leave it out.

### Can a chart have two value axes?

Yes, when two series use different units, as in a bar and line combo.

## Related terms

- [Tick](https://usechartory.com/glossary/tick): A small mark on an axis at a round value, with its label.
- [Domain](https://usechartory.com/glossary/domain): The range of values an axis covers, from its lowest to its highest tick.
- [Gridline](https://usechartory.com/glossary/gridline): A faint line across the plot at each tick, so values read without a ruler.
- [Baseline](https://usechartory.com/glossary/baseline): The zero or reference line that bars grow from.

## Bars, line, scatter and the other types.

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