Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Fix Excel Chart Showing Incorrect Data for the Second Line

Huda Qurayshi Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The second line in an Excel chart appears to display incorrect values, inappropriately following the pattern of the first data series.

How to Fix Excel Chart Showing Incorrect Data for the Second Line

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating or reviewing a multiple-series line chart to compare data trends and finding that the second line's values do not match the source data.
Observed behavior: The data values of the second line are being added to the first series, making the second line appear inflated and incorrect because a Stacked Line chart type is accidentally applied.

Before you start

Verify your source data range to ensure that the correct columns and rows are highlighted for your data series before modifying the chart layout.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Chart Type to a Standard Line

Converting the chart from a Stacked Line to a standard Line chart prevents data series values from being cumulatively added together.

Stacked Line charts are designed to show the cumulative total of multiple data series. When this chart type is used unintentionally, it adds the value of your second series to the first series, distorting the visual representation of your actual data.

Select the Chart

Click directly on the chart in your Excel worksheet to reveal the Chart Tools on the ribbon.

Access Chart Design

Navigate to the 'Chart Design' tab located at the top of the Excel window.

Open Change Chart Type

In the 'Type' group on the right side of the ribbon, click on 'Change Chart Type'.

Select Standard Line

If the currently highlighted type is 'Stacked Line', click on the standard 'Line' option instead.

Apply and Verify

Click 'OK' to apply the new chart type. Check your chart to ensure that the months (or categories) are correctly assigned to the horizontal axis and your data series display independently.

Change the Chart Type to a Standard Line

Independent Data Display: Your second line will now correctly reflect its own raw data values rather than the sum of both data series.

Create Accurate Charts Easily

Fix Chart Formatting Quickly with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet offers a highly intuitive interface for managing and customizing charts. You can easily switch between chart types to ensure your data is represented accurately, all while enjoying full compatibility with Microsoft Excel files.

1. Open your file in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open the .xlsx file containing the problematic chart.
2. Select the Chart: Click on the chart to activate the 'Chart Tools' menu on the top ribbon.
3. Click Change Chart Type: Under the Chart Tools tab, click the 'Change Chart Type' button.
4. Choose the Correct Line Type: Select the 'Line' category from the left pane and choose the standard line chart icon, avoiding the stacked variations.
5. Save Changes: Click 'OK' to update the visual data and save your document to lock in the corrected chart.

Easily switch between standard and stacked line charts with a visual menu.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file formats and chart objects.Lightweight software that processes large data series quickly without lagging.Completely free to use with a clean, familiar interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do stacked line charts make my Excel data look wrong?

Stacked line charts display cumulative values instead of independent values. The second line plots the value of the first series plus the second series, which inflates the data points and makes the second line look completely incorrect.

How can I confirm my data series are assigned correctly in Excel?

Right-click your chart and choose 'Select Data'. In the Select Data Source dialog box, review the 'Legend Entries (Series)' list to verify both series are present, and check the 'Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels' to ensure your X-axis categories are correct.

Should I use a secondary axis instead of changing the chart type?

If your two data series have vastly different numerical scales (such as percentages vs. thousands), changing to a standard line chart might make one line appear flat. In this case, keep them as standard lines but right-click the second series, select 'Format Data Series', and check the 'Secondary Axis' box.

Excel & Data Problems