How to Add a Secondary Axis in Excel?

Are you trying to create a chart in Excel and need to add a secondary axis? Adding a secondary axis to a chart in Excel can be tricky, but not impossible. With the right approach and a few simple steps, you can have a chart with two sets of data on a single chart. In this guide, we’ll show you how to add a secondary axis in Excel and provide you with the tools and tips you need to make the process as easy as possible.

How to Create a Secondary Axis in Excel

Creating a secondary axis in Microsoft Excel can be a great way to visualize data in a more meaningful way. A secondary axis allows you to compare two different sets of data on the same chart. This is especially helpful when one set of data has drastically different values than the other. In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to create a secondary axis in Excel.

Step 1: Create the Chart

The first step in creating a secondary axis in Excel is to create the chart. Start by selecting the data you want to use for the chart. Then, go to the “Insert” tab and select “Charts”, then choose the type of chart you want to use. For this example, we’ll use a simple line chart. Once the chart is created, you can customize it however you want.

Step 2: Add the Secondary Axis

Next, you’ll need to add the secondary axis. To do this, right-click on one of the data series in the chart and select “Add Secondary Axis”. This will add a second y-axis to the chart, which will be used to display the second data set.

Step 3: Customize the Secondary Axis

Now that the secondary axis is added, you can customize it however you want. To do this, right-click on the secondary axis and select “Format Axis”. This will bring up a window where you can change the axis title, scale, and more.

Step 4: Use Two Y-Axes

The next step is to use the two y-axes in the chart. To do this, right-click on one of the data series and select “Format Data Series”. In the window that appears, select “Secondary Axis” to assign the data series to the secondary axis. Once this is done, you can move the data series to the secondary axis by dragging it to the right.

Step 5: Adjust the Scale of the Axes

The last step is to adjust the scale of the two y-axes. To do this, right-click on the secondary axis and select “Format Axis”. In the window that appears, select “Scale” and adjust the minimum and maximum values to match the data you’re plotting. This will ensure that both sets of data are displayed correctly on the chart.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you can make any final adjustments to the chart. This includes adding labels, adjusting the colors, and more. Once you’re satisfied with the chart, you can save it as an image or export it to a file.

Tips and Tricks

Use a Logarithmic Scale

If one of the sets of data you’re plotting has a large range of values, you may want to consider using a logarithmic scale on the secondary axis. This will help make the data easier to read and interpret. To do this, right-click on the secondary axis and select “Format Axis”. In the window that appears, select “Logarithmic Scale” and adjust the logarithmic base to match the data you’re plotting.

Add a Legend

Adding a legend to your chart can be a great way to clearly identify which data series is on the primary axis and which is on the secondary axis. To do this, right-click on the chart and select “Add Legend”. This will add a small box to the chart that identifies each data series.

Use a Combination Chart

If you’re plotting two sets of data that are both line graphs, you may want to consider using a combination chart. This type of chart allows you to combine two line graphs into one chart. To do this, right-click on the chart and select “Change Chart Type”. In the window that appears, select “Combination Chart” and then select the type of chart you want to use.

Adjust the Gap Width

If you’re using a combination chart, you may want to adjust the gap width between the two data series. To do this, right-click on the chart and select “Format Data Series”. In the window that appears, select “Gap Width” and adjust the width to your preference.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

How to Add a Secondary Axis in Excel?

Q1: What is a Secondary Axis in Excel?

A secondary axis in Excel is a feature that allows you to plot two sets of data on the same chart. It is useful when you want to compare two series of data that have different scales. For example, if you have a chart with a series of sales data and a series of profit data, you can use a secondary axis to display both sets of data on the same chart.

Q2: What Type of Chart Should be Used to Add a Secondary Axis?

The type of chart that should be used to add a secondary axis depends on the type of data that you want to plot. The most common type of chart used for adding a secondary axis is a column chart, where one axis is used to plot the first series and the other axis is used to plot the second series. Other types of charts, such as line and bar charts, can also be used to add a secondary axis.

Q3: How Do You Add a Secondary Axis in Excel?

To add a secondary axis in Excel, first select the data you want to plot. Then, click the Insert tab and select the chart type you want to use. Next, click on the chart and select the Design tab. In the Chart Layout section, click the Add Chart Element button and select the Secondary Axis option from the drop-down menu. Finally, click the OK button and your chart will now have a secondary axis.

Q4: What Are Some Tips for Working with a Secondary Axis?

When working with a secondary axis in Excel, it is important to make sure that the labels and scales of the two series of data are clearly visible. It is also important to make sure that the series of data are plotted correctly, so that the chart does not become cluttered or confusing. Additionally, you may want to consider using a different chart type for the secondary axis, such as a line chart.

Q5: What Are the Benefits of Using a Secondary Axis?

Using a secondary axis in Excel offers several benefits. It allows you to compare two sets of data that have different scales, which can be difficult to do with a single axis chart. Additionally, it can make complex data sets easier to read, as the two series of data can be plotted side-by-side. Finally, a secondary axis can help you identify trends and patterns in your data that would otherwise be difficult to spot.

Q6: What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding a Secondary Axis?

When adding a secondary axis in Excel, it is important to avoid some common mistakes. First, make sure you select the correct chart type for the secondary axis. Second, make sure that the labels and scales of the two series are clearly visible. Third, make sure the data is plotted correctly, so that the chart does not become cluttered or confusing. Finally, make sure that the series of data are plotted in the correct order, so that the chart does not become confusing.

How To Add A Second Y Axis To Graphs In Excel

Adding a secondary axis in Excel is a useful tool for displaying complex data sets. With a few simple steps, you can quickly create a chart with a secondary axis that will help you analyze your data more accurately. With the knowledge of how to add a secondary axis in Excel, you will be able to quickly and easily create professional-looking charts that will help your team make informed decisions. So, if you’re looking for a way to effectively visualize and analyze your data, adding a secondary axis in Excel is the way to go.