Creating a "Average" Line on a Chart

[Former Member]

I'm using Crystal Reports XI

I have a chart such as this (modified as an example):

What I need is to be able to add the green line as shown.  Basically the line is to be located at the average/mean point (86.97. in this case).

Can I do this?  How?

TIA

[abhilash_kumar · Accepted solution]

Hi Clifton,

The only way I was able to do this was like this:

1) Change your chart type to "Line Chart" first

2) Create a formula for average. Something like this:

Average({database_field})

3) Add this field to the Show Values area. So, the Show values will now have two values, one being the Sum and the other being this formula that shows the average

4) Preview the report and while in the Preview Mode, select the Line that shows the Summary Values. You might have a little trouble clicking on the single line, but that shouldn't be a problem as such

5) After you've managed to highlight the Summary Line in the Chart, right-click it and select "Series Options" > Appearance tab > From the drop-down for 'Selected series' choose "Riser"

There you have it, Bars for the Sum and a Line for the Average.

- Abhilash

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[Former Member · Accepted solution]

That worked, sort of.  🙂

It did give me what I asked for, but there is a small side effect.  The bars are now all one colour.  Any chance you can figure out how to do what you did plus keep the bars in their rainbow colours?

[abhilash_kumar · Accepted solution]

Well, I was expecting this question sooner or later.

Unfortunately..this might get a little laborious . Colour Highlight (In the Chart Expert) is your only way out and that involves manually choosing values and colouring them.

-Abhilash

[ido_millet · Accepted solution]

A simpler solution is to select one of the bars, right-click, and add a Trendline of type Average.

[abhilash_kumar · Accepted solution]

Hi Ido,

You do not have an option to add an Average Line, you only have Moving Average.

-Abhilash

[ido_millet · Accepted solution]

Abhilash, It's the first Trendline option.  It is called "Mean".

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

That was perfect.  Thanks. 

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Sorry, Abhilash, but I had to unmark your post as an answer (but did mark it as helpful).  Ido had exactly what I was looking for.

[abhilash_kumar · Accepted solution]

No problem Clifton; what matters is the resolution.

For some reason, when I tried Mean, it drew lines at multiple points and I had no clue why!

Anyway, glad Ido was spot on.

-Abhilash