'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Add a Secondary Axis to an Excel Combo Chart on Mac
Question details
The user wants to create a combo chart displaying two different data metrics using separate vertical axes.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Creating a chart to compare two sets of data with vastly different numerical scales, such as plotting expenses against man-hours.
- Observed behavior
- Needs a method to display both datasets clearly by plotting one series on a primary vertical axis and the other on a secondary vertical axis.
Ensure your data is organized into columns with clear headers for both categories, such as 'Expenses' and 'Man-hours', before attempting to insert or format the chart.
Add a Secondary Axis via Chart Design Options
This is the standard method for converting an existing chart into a combo chart with a secondary axis on macOS.
By changing the chart type to a Combo chart, Excel allows you to plot multiple data series with different chart styles (like columns and lines) while simultaneously mapping one of those series to an independent secondary axis.
Click anywhere on your existing chart to select it, which will reveal the 'Chart Design' and 'Format' tabs on the Excel ribbon.
Navigate to the 'Chart Design' tab, click on 'Change Chart Type', select 'Combo' from the dropdown menu, and then choose 'Clustered Column - Line on Secondary Axis'. Click OK.
Right-click the specific data series you want to place on the new axis (for example, the Man-hours line or column) and select 'Format Data Series' from the context menu.
In the Format Data Series pane that appears on the right side of your screen, choose 'Series Options' or 'Axis Options', and select the radio button for 'Secondary Axis'.
Create Advanced Combo Charts easily with WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Office provides an intuitive and highly compatible interface for creating combo charts and adding secondary axes, functioning perfectly on Mac and Windows devices.
- 1. Select your data range: Highlight the cells containing your data, making sure to include the column headers (e.g., Expenses and Man-hours).
- 2. Insert a Combo Chart: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, click the 'Chart' icon, and select the 'Combo' chart option from the dialog box.
- 3. Enable the Secondary Axis: In the chart settings window, check the 'Secondary Axis' box next to the data series you wish to display on the right-hand axis, then click 'Insert'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a secondary axis in my Excel chart?
A secondary axis is necessary when plotting mixed types of data (like currency and percentages) or data with vastly different numerical ranges. Without a secondary axis, the smaller values will flatten out at the bottom of the chart, making it impossible to read their trends.
Can I change the chart type for just the secondary axis series?
Yes. When you configure a combo chart, you can set the primary data series to be a clustered column chart and the secondary axis series to be a line chart. This visual distinction helps users easily differentiate between the two data sets.
How do I remove a secondary axis if I no longer need it?
To remove a secondary axis, simply click on the axis numbers in your chart to select it, then press the Delete key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can right-click the data series, go to Format Data Series, and switch it back to the Primary Axis.
