Monday, February 25, 2008

How do I create a combination chart in Excel?

A combination chart is a single chart that can plot series as different chart types. Sometimes this involves using a secondary axis. I have made one below in order to show you what a typical combination chart might look like.


Watch the video demonstration or scroll down for written instructions on how to create your own combination chart using MS Office Excel 2007. Example from John Walkenbach's Excel 2007 Bible.



Creating a combination requires you to change one or more of the data series to a different chart type. This can be done by selecting the series you want to change and then Chart Tools > Design > Type > Change Chart Type.

From there simply select the type of new chart format you would like for that series. I find that lines and columns work well together but you can play around to find what suits you.

What if your data series have very different ranges? In that case you might want to plot one of the series on a secondary value axis.

A secondary value axis will add a new numbered axis on the other side of your chart. To do this, left-click on one of the data series and right-click to bring up the menu. Choose Format Data Series > Plot Series on Secondary Axis.

2 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you. This was VERY helpful.

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