title: SSRS: Trouble applying custom expression to Vertical Axis Chart Label
body: <p>Using visual studio BI dev studio 2008.</p>
  
  <p>I have a chart that has a Y axis of numbers ranging from 0 to about 1500 (Values), an x axis of dates (Category Group).  The Y-axis numbers are integers representing minutes. </p>
  
  <p>I want to convert the Y-Axis of minutes to hh:mm form and I thought it would be simple to write a custom function to do so. However, after going to Vertical Axis Properties -> Number -> Custom format, I am finding that the custom expression will <strong>not</strong> calculate most expressions that I give it.</p>
  
  <p>For example, I have tried </p>
  
  <pre><code>=(Fields!RealRunTimeMin.Value) * 2
  =(Fields!RealRunTimeMin.Value) + 1000
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>But when I go to Preview the report, the y-Axis is in the same range (0 to 1500) rather than displaying 0-3000. </p>
  
  <p>I have also tried </p>
  
  <pre><code>=CInt(Fields!RealRunTimeMin.Value) + 1000
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>But the chart remains unchanged.  The only thing I seem able to do is convert the number to a string.</p>
  
  <p>Any idea on what I am doing wrong? Note: I'm not asking for the logic to format to hh:mm, but rather I am asking why all attempts to maniuplate numbers in SSRS's axis labels seem to be defeating me.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks in advance,</p>
  
  <p>T</p>