WPS Spreadsheets: Show a Secondary Axis Without an Extra Data Series
Question details
The user needs to display rainfall measurements in inches on a secondary vertical axis while keeping the original millimeter data series as the only visible series.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A rainfall chart uses millimeters on the primary vertical axis, and the user wants an equivalent inches scale on a secondary vertical axis.
- Observed behavior
- A secondary axis requires a chart series, but the user does not want an additional visible line or marker in the chart.
Identify the rainfall values used by the chart and confirm that the conversion from millimeters to inches is millimeters divided by 25.4. Add a nearby helper column so the converted values can be selected as a chart series.
Create a hidden inches helper series for the secondary axis
Use this method when you need a secondary axis scale but do not want another visible line, bar, or marker in the chart.
WPS Spreadsheets creates a secondary axis when a chart series is assigned to it. A helper series containing converted values can generate the axis, and its line and markers can then be hidden so the chart appearance remains unchanged.
In a blank worksheet column beside the rainfall data, enter a formula such as =B2/25.4, replacing B2 with the millimeter cell, and fill the formula down for all chart categories. Label the column Inches.
Select the rainfall chart, open the chart data options such as Select Data, choose Add Series, and select the Inches header and converted values as the new series range.
Select the new Inches series in the chart, open Format Data Series, choose Series Options, and set it to plot on the Secondary Axis.
With the Inches series selected, open its line and marker formatting options and set Line to No Line and Marker to None or No Marker.
Select the right-side secondary vertical axis, open Format Axis, choose Number, and apply a suitable number format such as 0.0 or 0.00. If needed, rename the axis title to Inches.
Use a coincident helper series when hidden formatting is unavailable
Use this fallback when the chart editor does not expose No Line or No Marker formatting for the helper series.
Build a Clean Dual-Unit Rainfall Chart in WPS Spreadsheets
WPS Spreadsheets can create the required secondary inches axis by adding a converted helper series, assigning it to the secondary axis, and hiding its line and markers. The chart keeps millimeters on the primary axis while showing inches on the secondary scale.
- 1. Prepare the conversion column: In WPS Spreadsheets, add an Inches column and enter =Millimeters/25.4 or a cell-reference formula such as =B2/25.4, then fill it down.
- 2. Insert the helper series: Click the chart, open Select Data, choose Add Series, and select the Inches header and converted values.
- 3. Move it to the secondary axis: Select the Inches series, open Format Data Series, and choose Secondary Axis under Series Options.
- 4. Hide the plotted helper data: Set the helper series Line to No Line and Marker to None or No Marker in the series formatting pane.
- 5. Format the inches axis: Select the secondary vertical axis, open Format Axis, choose a decimal Number format, and add or edit the axis title to say Inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a helper series required for a secondary axis?
A chart secondary axis is associated with a data series. Adding a converted helper series gives WPS Spreadsheets a series to plot on the secondary axis; hiding its line and markers removes its visible data from the chart.
What formula converts millimeters to inches in WPS Spreadsheets?
Divide the millimeter value by 25.4. For example, if the millimeter value is in B2, enter =B2/25.4 in the helper column and fill the formula down.
How do I hide the extra series without deleting the secondary axis?
Select the helper series, open Format Data Series, and set its Line to No Line and its Marker to None or No Marker. Do not remove the series, because the axis depends on it.
Can I show inches on the secondary axis while keeping millimeters on the primary axis?
Yes. Keep the original millimeter series on the primary axis, assign the converted inches helper series to the secondary axis, and format the right-side axis with an inches number format and title.
