Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Create an Area and Line Combination Chart in Excel

WPS Content Manager Sep 27, 2026 872 views

Question details

The user needs to create a combination chart in Excel that displays actual and projected costs over time using both area and line series.

How to Create an Excel Area and Line Combination Chart

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Charting actual vs. projected costs over time, specifically addressing how to handle projections that begin after the initial reporting date.
Observed behavior: The goal is to structure the dataset correctly and apply dual chart types (area and line) to seamlessly visualize historical data and future projections on a single graph.

Before you start

Ensure your data is organized properly before creating the chart. Place your dates in one column, and put your actual values and projected values in two separate, adjacent columns.

Solution 1Recommended

Format Data and Create a Standard Combination Chart

This is the most straightforward method. By placing actual and projected data in separate columns, you can easily apply different chart types to each series.

To make the area and line charts connect seamlessly, ensure that the transition date (where actuals end and projections begin) has data in both the 'Actual' and 'Projected' columns.

Organize your data

Set up your worksheet with three columns: Date, Actual Costs, and Projected Costs. Leave the 'Projected Costs' cells blank for dates where only actual costs exist, and vice versa.

Insert a combination chart

Select your entire data range including headers. Go to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon, click the 'Insert Combo Chart' icon, and select 'Create Custom Combo Chart'.

Customize chart types

In the Insert Chart dialog box, set the 'Actual Costs' series to an 'Area' chart type and the 'Projected Costs' series to a 'Line' chart type, then click OK.

Format Data and Create a Standard Combination Chart

Visualizing Projections: You can further format the line series by right-clicking it, selecting 'Format Data Series', and changing the line dash type to a dotted line to emphasize that it is a projection.

Solution 2

Use a PivotChart for Grouped Time Data

Use this method if your raw data contains highly granular dates (like daily entries) that need to be grouped by year and quarter before charting.

Create Professional Charts Easily

Visualize Your Data with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet makes it incredibly easy to create complex combination charts, including area and line graphs, to accurately track your actual and projected costs in just a few clicks.

1. Prepare your dataset: Open WPS Spreadsheet and organize your dates, actual values, and projected values into separate columns.
2. Insert Combo Chart: Highlight your data range, click on the 'Insert' tab, click 'Chart', and choose 'Combo' from the left-hand menu.
3. Customize Series: Assign the 'Area' chart type to your actual values and the 'Line' chart type to your projected values, then click 'OK' to generate your visualization.

Seamless format compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .xls).Intuitive combo chart creation wizard for mixing line, area, and bar charts.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use.Rich built-in charting templates for professional business reporting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a gap between my area chart and my line chart?

A gap occurs because the two series do not share a common data point. To fix this, find the date where your actual data ends and your projections begin. Enter the same value into both the 'Actual' and 'Projected' columns for that specific row to connect the chart.

Can I add a secondary axis to my combination chart?

Yes. When you are in the Combo Chart settings (or by right-clicking the chart and selecting 'Change Chart Type'), simply check the 'Secondary Axis' box next to the series that operates on a different numerical scale.

How do I make the projection line dotted instead of solid?

Right-click the projection line on your chart and select 'Format Data Series'. Navigate to the 'Fill & Line' settings, find the 'Dash type' dropdown menu, and select a dashed or dotted style.

Excel & Data Problems