Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Fix Excel Chart Columns Overlapping on a Secondary Axis

Steve K Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to prevent clustered column charts from overlapping when plotting data series across both a primary and secondary axis.

How to Fix Excel Chart Columns Overlapping on a Secondary Axis

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a clustered column combo chart where one or more data series are mapped to a secondary axis for better scaling.
Observed behavior: Columns assigned to the secondary axis overlap directly on top of the columns on the primary axis instead of sitting side-by-side.

Before you start

Before altering your chart, create a copy of your current dataset and overlapping chart in a new worksheet so you can safely test the formatting changes without losing your original work.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Dummy Data Series to Separate Columns

The most effective way to separate overlapping columns on a secondary axis is to insert blank 'dummy' data columns into your dataset to force the chart to reserve space.

Because Excel treats primary and secondary axes as independent layers, it naturally stacks their data on top of each other. By strategically adding empty data series (dummy columns) to both axes, you can trick Excel into aligning the visible columns side-by-side.

Create dummy columns in your dataset

Insert two new columns into your data table next to your original data. Name them 'Dummy 1' and 'Dummy 2'. Leave all the data cells in these new columns completely blank.

Add the dummy data to your chart

Right-click your existing chart and select 'Select Data'. Click 'Add' to include your new 'Dummy 1' and 'Dummy 2' columns as new series in the chart.

Assign series to the axes

Right-click any column in the chart and select 'Change Series Chart Type'. Assign your first actual data series and 'Dummy 1' to the Primary Axis. Assign your second actual data series and 'Dummy 2' to the Secondary Axis.

Reorder the series

In the 'Select Data' dialog, ensure the order of your series forces the blank columns to push the real columns apart. Typically, placing a dummy series before the real data on one axis, and after the real data on the other axis, achieves the side-by-side effect.

Clean up the chart legend

Click on your chart's legend. Click specifically on the 'Dummy 1' entry to highlight just that text, and press the Delete key. Repeat for 'Dummy 2' so they do not show up in your final presentation.

Use Dummy Data Series to Separate Columns

Leave Dummy Cells Empty: Do not enter zeros or any other values into the dummy columns. They must remain completely empty to properly reserve invisible space in the chart without plotting actual data points.

Create Professional Charts Easily

Create and Format Complex Charts with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Office offers a fully-featured Spreadsheet application that handles complex data visualization, including clustered columns and secondary axes, with complete compatibility for your existing Excel files.

1. Open your data in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your .xlsx workbook containing the chart data.
2. Insert a customized chart: Highlight your dataset, navigate to the Insert tab, and click the Chart icon to insert a Clustered Column chart.
3. Set up a secondary axis: Double-click the specific data series you want to scale differently, open the Series Options pane on the right, and select 'Secondary Axis'.
4. Adjust series overlap: Use the formatting pane to adjust the Series Overlap and Gap Width percentages to perfectly align your customized combo chart.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel chart formatting (.xlsx)Intuitive chart properties pane for quick gap width and axis adjustmentsFree to download and use for everyday data analysis and visualizationLightweight software that opens large datasets instantly

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Excel chart columns overlap when using a secondary axis?

By default, Excel treats data series on the primary and secondary axes as entirely separate graphic layers. Because they do not share the same baseline axis grouping, they are drawn on top of each other rather than being placed side-by-side.

Can I fix overlapping columns without adding dummy data?

Unfortunately, no simple toggle exists in standard Excel settings to offset columns across two different axes. The dummy series method is the universally accepted workaround to force the columns apart.

How do I change the width of the columns once they are side-by-side?

Right-click on any visible data column and select 'Format Data Series'. In the panel that opens, adjust the 'Gap Width' slider. A smaller gap width will make the columns wider, while a larger gap width will make them narrower.

Does this workaround apply to bar charts as well?

Yes, the exact same principle applies to horizontal bar charts. Adding blank dummy series to your dataset will help space out bars when you split them between a primary and secondary horizontal axis.

Excel & Data Problems