Excel Combo Chart (Table of Contents)
Combo Chart in Excel
Combo Chart is the combination of different chart types to show the different or same set of data which are related to each other in nature. With a normal chart, we will have two-axis i.e. “X-Axis & Y-Axis”. However, this is not the same thing with combo charts, because this time we will have two Y-Axis instead of the traditional one Y-Axis.
The typical example of showing the combo chart is “Revenue vs Profit %”. We will see how to create a combo chart with excel.
How to Create a Combination Chart in Excel?
Below are the examples of combo chart in excel.
Example #1
If you are in data team with the management you may require to do a lot of analysis, one of such analysis is comparing revenue against the profit percentage.
For this example demonstration, I have created the below data.
With this data, we will show you how to create a combo chart. Follow the below steps –
Step 1: Select the entire data first.
Step 2: Go to Insert >>> Charts >>> Column Chart >>> Clustered Column Chart.
Step 3: Now we will have a chart like below one.
This isn’t the combo chart because here we have only column clustered chart, so we need to change “Profit %” data to the line chart.
Step 4: Right click and select “Change Chart Type”.
Now we will see below window.
Step 5: Now select “Combo” option which is there right at the bottom.
Step 6: In this “Combo” we can see chart preview and various other recommended charts. For-profit chart selects the chart as “Line” and makes check the box “Secondary Axis”.
Step 7: Click on Ok, we will have a combo chart now.
Now we can see on the right-hand side of the chart we have one more Y-Axis which represents the line chart numbers.
Now with this chart, we can make some easy interpretations.
- In the month of Feb, we got the lowest revenue so does profit percentage as well.
- But when we look at the Jun month we have the second-lowest revenue but profit percentage is very high among all the other months.
- In the month of Jan even though revenue is 41261 $ profit percentage is limited to just 12.5% only.
Example #2
Now I have created slightly different data. Below is the data for this example.
Here, instead of a profit percentage, we have Profit numbers and in addition, we have units sold data as well.
So, here we need to decide which is to show in the secondary axis, this is key here. This time we will create a chart through manual steps.
Step 1: Insert a blank chart and right-click on the chart and choose Select Data.
Step 2: In the below window click on “Add”.
Step 3: In the below window, in “Series Name” choose B1 cell and in Series Values select B2 to B7. Click on Ok.
Step 4: Click on “ADD”.
Step 5: In the below window select “Month” names. Click on OK.
Step 6: Repeat the same steps for “Profit” and “Units Sold” data as well. Now we will have a chart like below.
Step 7: Right-click and choose “Change Chart Type”.
Step 8: Select “Combo” option from below window. and for “Units Sold” series name choose “Line” chart and check the box “Secondary Axis”.
Step 9: Now for “Profit” series name choose “Area” chart but do not check the “Secondary Axis” checkbox.
Step 10: Now we will have a chart like below.
Things to Remember
- These are the steps involved in the Excel 2016 version.
- It is necessary to check the box “Secondary Axis” to have Y-Axis at the right side.
- Change necessary colors as per the convenience.
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This has been a guide to Excel Combo Chart. Here we discuss how to create a combo chart in excel along with practical examples and a downloadable template. You may learn more about excel from the following articles –
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