How to Add Secondary Axis on Excel

As professional data analysts, we often work with large datasets that require proper organization and presentation. Thus, understanding how to manipulate Excel functionalities such as plotting graphs, creating charts and visualizing data is a must. One of the most common problems encountered while generating charts on Excel is the need to add a secondary axis. A secondary axis is useful for displaying data in two different ranges in the same chart. In this blog post, we will provide an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on how to add a secondary axis on Excel.

Step 1: Create Your Chart

The first step in adding a secondary axis is creating your chart. Select the data you want to display, then click on the “Insert” tab on the Excel Ribbon. Choose the type of chart that best suits your needs, such as a line graph or bar chart. For this example, we will use a simple line graph.

Step 2: Format Your Chart

Once you have your chart, it’s time to format it. Click on the “Chart Design” tab on the Excel Ribbon. This will bring up a set of formatting options. You will see a button labeled “Add Chart Element.”

Step 2.1: Add Secondary Axis

Click on “Add Chart Element” and hover over the “Axes” option. You will see a submenu, select “Secondary Vertical Axis” and the secondary axis will be added to your chart.

Step 2.2: Format Secondary Axis

The secondary axis will be added to the chart, but it will still need some formatting. Right-click on the secondary axis and select “Format Axis” from the drop-down menu.

In the “Format Axis” menu, you will see a selection of options on the left-hand side. Under “Axis Options,” look for “Vertical Axis Crosses” and change the value to “Axis Value.”

Step 3: Add Data to Secondary Axis

You now have a secondary axis on your chart, but it has no data. To add data to the secondary axis, right-click on one of the data points in your chart and select “Select Data” from the drop-down menu.

In the “Select Data Source” menu, click on “Add” to add a new data series. In the “Edit Series” dialog, enter the data range of the values you want to display on the secondary axis in the “Series values” box. Make sure to call the data series something descriptive, so it is easy to understand.

Step 4: Finalize Your Chart

You should now have a chart with two axes, displaying data from two different data series. At this point, you can tweak the formatting to your liking, such as adding titles, labels, and changing the chart style. Don’t forget to add a legend to your chart so that the viewer can understand what each line represents.

Adding a secondary axis to your chart allows you to display more data with a clear understanding of the changes and trends that occur within a chart. With Excel’s powerful charting capabilities, you can now add a secondary axis quickly and easily.

Tips for Effective Use of Secondary Axis

Adding a secondary axis to your Excel chart can make it easier to interpret your data. Here are some tips to make sure you’re using your secondary axis effectively:

• Use a secondary axis to display a series that has a different scale or range than the primary axis.
• Try not to use too many data series on a single chart, as it can be overwhelming and difficult to read.
• Make sure your data series are related in some way and that they are presenting the same kind of information in a cohesive manner.
• If you’re unsure whether a secondary axis is really necessary, test it out and see if it helps make your data more easily digestible or understandable.

Excel is a powerful tool for visualizing and presenting data, and using a secondary axis can help you display more data in a clear and concise manner. By following the steps outlined above and the tips for effective use, you can create charts that represent your data accurately and in a way that’s easy to understand at a glance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of charts and data series to find the best way to present your data.

FAQ

Here are some common questions that people have about adding a secondary axis to their Excel charts:

What is a secondary axis?

A secondary axis is an additional vertical or horizontal axis that you can add to your Excel chart to represent a different series of data that has a different range or scale than the other data series.

Why would I need to add a secondary axis to my chart?

You would add a secondary axis to your chart when you have two data series that have different scales and you want to display them both on the same chart. This can make it easier for people to see the relationship between the two data points and the overall trend of the data.

How do I add a secondary axis to my Excel chart?

To add a secondary axis to your Excel chart, you first need to create a chart with your primary data series. Then, click on the “Chart Design” tab on the Excel Ribbon and click “Add Chart Element.” Hover over the “Axes” option and select “Secondary Vertical Axis” to add a secondary axis to your chart. You can then add your second data series to the secondary axis by right-clicking on your chart and selecting “Select Data”.

What types of charts can I add a secondary axis to in Excel?

You can add a secondary axis to most types of charts in Excel, including line, column, bar, and area charts. However, not all charts require a secondary axis to display data accurately, so it’s important to consider whether it’s necessary for your specific chart.

Can I customize the formatting of my secondary axis in Excel?

Yes, you can customize the formatting of your secondary axis in Excel. Simply right-click on the axis and select “Format Axis” to bring up the formatting options. Here you can adjust the minimum and maximum values, the axis scale, and other options to make sure your chart is displayed as accurately as possible.