Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Display Chart Axes on Both Sides in Excel

Bushra Parveen Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to display chart axes on both the left and right sides, but is encountering limitations when trying to configure this layout for specific chart types like stacked bar charts.

How to Display Chart Axes on Both Sides in Excel

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing a chart layout to show dual axes for better data visualization or to separate different data scales.
Observed behavior: Excel does not natively support placing the horizontal category axis as a vertical axis on the right side for stacked bar charts, requiring a change in chart type or a secondary axis configuration.

Before you start

Ensure your dataset includes at least two distinct data series that can be plotted separately, as a secondary axis requires a second set of data values to function correctly.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Combination Chart with a Secondary Axis

The standard method to display axes on both sides is by changing the chart type to a Combo chart and assigning one data series to a secondary axis.

Because stacked bar charts do not support placing category labels on the right while keeping another axis on the left, converting your chart to a Combination (Combo) chart is the most effective workaround.

Select your chart

Click anywhere on your existing chart to reveal the Chart Design and Format tabs on the top ribbon.

Change the chart type

Go to the Chart Design tab and click 'Change Chart Type' in the Type group.

Select Combo chart

In the Change Chart Type dialog box, navigate to the 'All Charts' tab and choose 'Combo' from the left sidebar.

Enable the secondary axis

For the data series you want to display on the right side, check the 'Secondary Axis' box next to it and select an appropriate chart type (like Line or Clustered Column). Click OK to apply.

Use a Combination Chart with a Secondary Axis

Chart Type Limitations: If you absolutely must use a stacked bar chart, you cannot natively split the category and value axes left-and-right. You will need to rely on custom data labels instead of a secondary axis.

Solution 2

Format Data Series to Add a Secondary Axis Manually

If you are working with standard line or column charts, you can manually format a specific data series to use a secondary axis without opening the Combo chart menu.

Create Dual-Axis Charts Easily

Create and Format Charts Seamlessly with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides a highly intuitive interface for building complex data visualizations, including dual-axis and combo charts. It perfectly handles Microsoft Excel files, allowing you to edit and enhance your existing charts without any formatting loss.

1. Open your data: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing dataset or .xlsx file.
2. Insert a chart: Highlight your data, navigate to the Insert tab, and select a standard chart type such as Column or Line.
3. Access series options: Double-click the data series you wish to move to the right side to open the right-hand properties pane.
4. Enable Secondary Axis: Under Series Options, select 'Secondary Axis'. Your chart will now display axes on both the left and right sides.

Easily add secondary axes to separate distinct data sets100% compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) chart formatsRich library of built-in, professional chart templatesFree, lightweight, and features a familiar user interface

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I add a secondary axis to my stacked bar chart?

Stacked bar charts plot multiple variables cumulatively on a single quantitative axis. Because the physical length of the bar represents the total sum, adding a secondary scale conflicts with the visual logic of the stack. You must change the chart type to a clustered column or line combo chart to use dual axes.

How do I make the left and right axis scales match?

Double-click the primary axis to open the Format Axis pane, and note the Minimum and Maximum bounds under Axis Options. Then, double-click the secondary axis on the right and manually type in those exact same Minimum and Maximum values so both sides are perfectly aligned.

Can I move the primary vertical axis from the left to the right side?

Yes. Double-click the horizontal (bottom) axis to open the Format Axis pane. Under Axis Options, look for 'Vertical axis crosses' and select 'At maximum category'. This will push your primary vertical axis to the right side of the chart.

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