How to Add a Second Axis in Excel

If you regularly work with data in Excel, you may find yourself needing to plot two different data sets with different scales on the same chart. This can be challenging because if two scales are vastly different from each other, it can be difficult to compare them on the same chart. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of adding a second axis to an Excel chart and show you how to plot and compare data sets with different scales effectively.

Step 1: Create Your Chart

Before you can add a second axis in Excel, you must first create your chart. To do this, highlight the data you want to include in your chart, click the “Insert” tab on the ribbon, and select the chart type you want to use.

Step 2: Format Your Chart

After you’ve created your chart, you’ll want to format it for better readability. To do this, click on the chart to select it. With the chart selected, click on the “Chart Elements” option in the ribbon to access the drop-down menu. Here, you can choose to add or remove any elements from your chart, including axis titles, data labels, and more.

Step 3: Add a Second Data Series

Next, you need to add a second data series to your chart. This is the data that will be displayed on the secondary axis. To do this, right-click on your chart’s data series and select “Add Series.”

Step 4: Change the Series Chart Type

After adding the second data series, you’ll need to change its chart type to a scatter chart. This will allow you to plot the data along the secondary axis. To do this, right-click on the new series, and select “Change Series Chart Type.” From here, select “Scatter with Straight Lines and Markers.”

Step 5: Add the Secondary Axis

Finally, add the secondary axis to your chart. Select the second data series, right-click, and select “Format Data Series.” In the “Format Data Series” dialog box, select “Secondary Axis” under the “Series Options” tab. Your chart will now have two axes: a primary axis on the left and a secondary axis on the right.

Bonus Tip

If you want to improve the readability of your chart title, consider splitting it into two lines. To do this, select the chart title, press “Enter”, and then add a second line of text.

Best Practices for Using a Second Axis in Excel

While adding a second axis to your Excel chart can be helpful for plotting data sets with different scales, there are a few best practices to keep in mind.

Use a Secondary Axis Sparingly

Using a secondary axis can be helpful, but it can also make your chart more complicated and harder to read. Only use a secondary axis if it’s absolutely necessary for representing your data accurately.

Keep Both Axes Visible

Make sure both axes are visible for context. Keep the primary axis on the left side of your chart and the secondary axis on the right side, so it’s clear which data series is associated with each axis.

Use Clear Labels and Formatting

Be sure to label your axes clearly and format them with a readable font and appropriate colors. Use descriptive data labels and axis titles to make your chart easy to understand at a glance.

Adding a second axis to an Excel chart can help you plot and compare data sets with different scales effectively. By following the steps outlined in this post and using best practices for chart design, you’ll be able to create informative and easy-to-read charts that help you make data-driven decisions.

FAQs About Adding a Second Axis in Excel

Here are answers to some common questions you may have about adding a second axis in Excel.

Can I add a secondary axis to any chart in Excel?

Yes, you can add a secondary axis to any chart type in Excel, including bar charts, pie charts, line charts, and more. However, not all charts will require a second axis, and adding one unnecessarily may make your chart harder to read.

What if my secondary axis doesn’t align with my primary axis?

If your secondary axis is not aligned with your primary axis, it could be because the data in your second data series is different than the data in your first data series. Make sure your second data series is using the same units and scale as your first data series. If necessary, consider adjusting your data or formatting the axis scale to match.

Can I have more than two axes in Excel?

No, Excel only supports up to two axes in a single chart. If you need to plot more than two data sets with different scales, you may need to consider using multiple charts or visualizations.

What if I only want to plot one data set on the secondary axis?

If you only want to plot one data set on the secondary axis, you can create a dummy data series with the same number of points as your primary data series. Plot this dummy series as your second data series and format it to show no lines or markers, so it doesn’t appear on the chart.

Can I customize the colors and fonts on my secondary axis?

Yes, you can customize the colors, fonts, and other formatting for both your primary and secondary axes. To do this, select the axis you want to format and use the “Format Axis” dialog box to adjust the formatting options.