How to Merge Graphs in Excel

If you’re looking for a way to combine and merge graphs in Microsoft Excel, you’ve come to the right place. Merging graphs is a useful feature in Excel that allows you to compare and analyze data from multiple sources in one graph. However, it can be a bit confusing if you don’t know where to start. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of merging graphs in Excel, so you can create visually appealing and informative charts without any frustration.

Step 1: Choose the Data to Add to Your Graph

The first step to merging graphs in Excel is to choose the data sets that you want to compare. You can select any number of data sets, although it’s important to keep the amount of data manageable to avoid confusion on the graph. Once you have chosen the data sets, create a graph for each one individually by highlighting the cells and choosing the desired chart type, such as a line, bar or scatter plot chart.

Step 2: Select the First Graph to Merge

With the graphs created, select the first graph that you want to merge. This is the graph that will serve as the base for the merged graph. With the graph selected, add any finishing touches such as colors, labels, titles and data points to the graph to ensure that it looks the way you want it to. Once you’re happy with it, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Access the “Design” Tab

Click on the “Design” tab located at the top of the Excel window. Here, you will see multiple options for graphs and charts, including the ability to add elements such as chart titles and legends. From the “Design” tab, select the option to “Select Data” to begin the merging process.

Step 4: Edit the First Series

In the “Select Data Source” window, you will see a list of all the data series from the first graph that you selected. Click on the first data series to select it, then click the “Edit” button to begin editing the series. In the “Edit Series” window, you will see fields to edit the name and values of the series.

Step 5: Add the Second Data Series

Click on the “Add” button in the “Select Data Source” window to add a new data series to the chart. In the “Edit Series” window, input the name and values of the second data series. Repeat this step if you have additional data series to add. Once you’ve added all the series that you want to include in the merged chart, click “OK” to close the “Select Data Source” window.

Step 6: Review and Edit Your Merged Graph

Now that you’ve successfully merged the two graphs, take some time to review the changes and make any necessary edits. Ensure that the merged graph displays the information you need accurately and that you’re satisfied with its appearance. You may want to adjust the axis labels, swap between different chart types, or modify the data series. Excel offers a wide array of tools and options to help you customize your graph exactly how you want it.

In conclusion,

Merging graphs in Excel can be a bit tricky, but it’s an essential tool for anyone who wants to compare and analyze multiple data sets. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily merge graphs to create informative and visually appealing charts that convey the information that you need. With a bit of practice, you’ll be merging complex graphs in no time, providing a better understanding of the data for you and your audience.

Creating Complex Graphs

Once you understand how to merge graphs in Excel, you can start to create complex graphs that combine several data sets in a single graph. This approach allows you to compare data more efficiently and can help identify trends and patterns that might not be immediately obvious when using several graphs. Fortunately, Excel offers a multitude of options and tools to help you create complex graphs, which you can customize by changing colors, formatting, axis labels, and more.

Integrating a Secondary Axis

Often, when you combine two graphs, the data series can have different scales. For example, you might compare the growth of a business to the number of employees. The first data series could increase by thousands of dollars, while the second may change by a few individuals. In such cases, using a secondary axis can be helpful to avoid cluttered, confusing graphs. A secondary axis allows you to plot two different data series using different scales, reducing overlap and making the comparison much more useful and easy to understand. To add a secondary axis, simply select the chart and go to the “Format” tab in the “Chart Tools” section of the Excel ribbon. Then, select “Secondary Horizontal Axis” or “Secondary Vertical Axis,” depending on what type of graph you’re creating, and follow the prompts.

Printing and Sharing Your Merged Graphs

Once you’ve created and customized your merged graphs, you may want to print them or share them with others. Excel allows you to do so in several ways. The simplest approach is to copy the graph and paste it into a document or email. You can also use Excel to print the graph directly from the file. Before you print, make sure to review the print settings and adjust as necessary to ensure that the graph looks as you want it to. Once you’re satisfied, print the graph and share it as desired.

Final Thoughts

Merging graphs in Excel is a valuable skill that can help you compare data and identify patterns quickly and accurately. Whether you’re working with a small or large amount of data, Excel has tools to make the process straightforward and efficient. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create and share merged graphs easily and add insightful visualizations to your data presentations.

FAQs About Merging Graphs in Excel

Q: Can I merge more than two graphs in Excel?

A: Absolutely. Excel allows you to merge any number of graphs in one chart, as long as the data sets are related.

Q: How do I change the colors of the data series in a merged graph?

A: Once you’ve created a merged graph, click on the data series that you want to modify, select “Format Data Series,” then “Fill” and “Border Color” to adjust the color to your desired preference.

Q: Can I merge graphs in Excel that use different chart types?

A: Yes. Excel allows you to merge different chart types, such as a line graph with a bar graph, to create one comprehensive chart that conveys multiple data points in a single view.

Q: How do I add a trendline to a merged graph in Excel?

A: Select the appropriate data series in the merged graph and click “Add Trendline” located in the “Chart Tools” menu at the top of the window.

Q: Can I customize the axis in a merged graph?

A: Yes, you can customize the axis of a merged graph in Excel. Click on the axis you want to modify and then select “Format Axis” to access the customization options.