Khan Muhammad Kawser
Looking for ways to create a Combo chart in Excel? Do not worry, we are here for you. In this article, we will describe 2 easy ways to create a Combo chart in Excel.
A Combo chart in Excel is helpful when you need to show various kinds of information that use different scales or measurements on the same chart.
Here, along with creating a Combo chart, we have also shown how to format a combo chart. In addition, we have described how you can create a Combo chart from an existing chart, and from multiple data series.
In the following overview image, you can see that we have created a Combo chart. So let’s go through the article to do the task smoothly.
Download Practice Workbook
You can download the Excel file and practice the explained methods.
What Is a Combo Chart?
As the name indicates, a combo chart is nothing but a combination of two or more different types of charts. Such as Column Chart, Line Chart, Bar Chart, etc. In the following image, a combo chart is illustrated. In this combo chart, we used a combination of a Clustered Column Chart and a line chart.
Usages of Combo Chart
Combo charts are often used by professionals to compare two sets of data visually and identify any relationships between them.
Combo charts are widely used in the following cases:
- Representing multiple data series
- Comparing different types of information
- Marking trends and patterns
- Representing relationships among data
- Creating custom chart types
Overall, a Combo Chart in Excel is a helpful tool that can make it easy to see and understand your data in different ways.
How to Create a Combo Chart in Excel: 2 Simple Methods
In the following dataset, you can see that we have the Month, Target Sales, and Achieved Sales columns. Now, using this dataset, we will go through 2 easy methods to create a Combo chart in Excel.
Here, we used Excel 365. You can use any available Excel version.
1. Creating Combo Chart in Excel with Single Axis
Firstly, we will explore creating a combo chart with a single axis. Let’s say, you want to create a combo chart of Target Sales and Achieved Sales based on a single axis. That means, two types of data will be represented regardless of their specific maximum and minimum values.
We can create a combo chart with a single axis in 2 ways.
1.1 Single Axis Combo Chart from Combo Chart Group
Here, we will insert the combo chart with a single axis from the Combo Chart group.
- First of all, select the entire dataset >> go to the Insert
- Then, from the Insert Combo Chart group >> select a Clustered Column with a line chart.
Then, you can see a Combo chart with a single axis.
Here, we edited the chart title according to our needs.
1.2. Single Axis Combo Chart from Recommended Chart Group
Now, we will insert the combo chart with a single axis from the Recommended Chart group.
- First of all, select the entire dataset >> go to the Insert tab.
- Then, select the Recommended Charts.
At this point, an Insert Chart dialog box will appear.
- Go to All Charts >> Select Combo.
- For the Target Sales series choose the Clustered Column chart type.
- Then, for the Achieved Sales series select the Line chart type.
- Next, click on OK.
Then, you can see a Combo chart with a single axis.
2. Making Combo Chart in Excel with Double Axes
We can also construct a combo chart with double axes. For example, let’s say you want to create a combo chart showing Target Sales and Achieved Sales on 2 axes. That indicates you need to add a secondary axis to your combo chart. Here, we will use the Custom Combo Chart group for this.
Let’s use the steps discussed below to do this.
- First of all, select the entire dataset >> go to the Insert
- Then, from the Insert Combo Chart group >> select Create Custom Combo Chart.
At this point, an Insert Chart dialog box will appear.
- Go to All Charts >> Select Combo.
- For the Target Sales series choose the Clustered Column chart type.
- Then, for the Achieved Sales series select the Line chart type.
- Check the box of the Secondary Axis beside the Chart Type of the Achieved Sales
- Next, click on OK.
Therefore, you can see a Combo chart with double axes.
Read More: Create Radar Chart with Radial Lines in Excel
Formatting Combo Chart
Now, we will format the Combo chart. We will select a Chart Design for the Combo chart, and we will change the fill color of the columns.
- First of all, we will click on the Chart >> go to the Chart Design
- From Chart Styles group >> select a Chart Design
Now, we will select a Fill Color for the columns.
- To do so, we will click on the Columns >> go to the Format
- Then, from the Fill color group >> select a Fill color according to your choice.
Therefore, the Combo chart is looking more presentable and eye-catching.
How to Create a Combo Chart in Excel from an Existing Chart
Microsoft Excel is a user-friendly and versatile software. Excel allows us to customize our work at any stage of it. We can create a combo chart from an existing chart. We will create a combo chart from this Existing Column Chart. Let’s follow the steps mentioned below to do this.
- First of all, select the Target Sales columns >> right-click on them.
- Select Change Series Chart Type.
At this point, an Insert Chart dialog box will appear.
- Go to All Charts >> Select Combo.
- Then, for the Achieved Sales series select the Line chart type.
- Next, click on OK.
- Then, we format the Combo chart.
Therefore, you can see a Combo chart created from an existing column chart.
Read More: How to Make a Graph or Chart in Excel (Complete Video Guide)
How to Create a Combo Chart in Excel with Multiple Series
Combo charts are a fascinating feature of Excel. It allows us to incorporate multiple series in the combo chart at a time.
Here, we will use the following dataset to create a Combo chart with multiple series. The dataset contains the Month, Target Sales, Achieved Sales, Sales Difference, and Incentive Sales columns.
Now, we will discuss the detailed steps to create a combo chart with multiple series.
- Firstly, we will use the steps used in Step 1.2 of the 1st method to open the Insert Chart dialogue box.
- Now, from All Charts >> select Combo.
- For the Target Sales series, select Clustered Column.
- For the Achieved Sales series, select Line.
- For the Difference Sales series, select Line.
- For the Incentive Sales series, select Clustered Column.
- Finally, click on OK.
Therefore, you can see the Combo chart with multiple series.
Read More: Get Source Data Range from a Chart (with Quick Steps)
Things to Remember While Creating a Combo Chart in Excel
Remember the following things while creating a Combo Chart in Excel.
- Work Together with Other Expertise: Working with other experts or requesting your colleagues to check your Combo chart is very helpful. It can assist you in deciding if your chart is straightforward and understandable. This can also give you a chance to let your colleagues ask questions about your chart. This will help you prepare to show your chart to a larger group of people.
- Know the Chart Users: By considering your chart’s target users, you can design a chart that effectively communicates information to the chart users.
- Printing Chart: Printing your chart will help you identify any errors or inconsistencies. Thus, print a chart or see the print preview before presenting your chart.
Conclusion
In this article, we describe how to create a Combo chart in Excel. We extensively describe what is a Combo chart and the usages of a Combo chart.
In addition to these, we describe how you can format a Combo chart. Also, we explore how you can create a Combo chart from an existing chart, and with multiple data series. We also describe some tips for the Combo chart.
We hope this article is helpful for you. Thank you for going through the article. If you have any queries or suggestions, please let us know in the comment section.
You can visit our website Exceldemy for various Excel-related articles.
