Excel users often need to plot their data against multiple Y axes. This allows them to visualize data properly. In this article, we will show you how to plot a graph in Excel with multiple Y axis.
In this article, we will discuss how to plot a graph in Excel with multiple Y axis. In the first two methods, we will plot graphs with two axes manually and using a command. Then, we will show how to plot a graph with 3 axes.
1. Manually Plotting Graph in Excel with Multiple Y Axis
In this method, we will manually add a secondary axis to the graph by selecting the data manually.
Steps:
- Firstly, select the data.
- Then, go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
- Finally, from the Charts option, select Line or Area Chart.
- Then, from the chart options, select any chart desirable for your data.
- In this case, we will choose the Line with Markers chart.
- Consequently, the data will be plotted.
- Then, double-click on one of the lines on the graph.
- Consequently, we will find that the data points are plotted in the primary axis.
- After that, check the Secondary Axis box.
- Consequently, we will find that our second axis is added to the graph.
Read More: How to Plot Multiple Lines in One Graph in Excel
2. Using Recommended Chart Command
In this method, we will use the Recommended Charts command to plot a graph with multiple vertical axes.
Steps:
- To begin with, select the dataset.
- Then, select the Insert tab from the ribbon.
- From there, hover down to the Recommended Charts command.
- Consequently, the Insert Chart window will appear on the screen.
- Then, scroll down to select the chart that has two vertical axes.
- Finally, click OK.
- As a result, Excel will plot our graph with two Y axes.
Read More: How to Plot Semi Log Graph in Excel (with Easy Steps)
3. Plotting Graph in Excel with Three Y-Axis
In the final method, we will plot a graph with three Y axes. In the process, we will format the graph in a number of ways.
Steps:
- To start with, choose the data.
- Then, choose the Insert tab in the ribbon.
- After that, from the Charts option, select the Line or Area Chart.
- Then, from the chart options, select any chart suitable for your data.
- In this instance, we will opt for the Line with Markers chart.
- Therefore, a plot of the data will be created.
- Then, press CTRL+D to duplicate the plotted graph.
- After that, select any one of the data plots and delete it.
- Do the same for any of the remaining two.
- Now, our data is ready to be formatted.
- After that, select the Plus sign beside the graph.
- From the drop-down menu, uncheck the Gridlines box.
- Firstly, select the vertical axis to the left.
- Secondly, go to the Format tab in the ribbon.
- Finally, from the Shape Outline option color the axis the same as the color of the plot.
- Then, again select the vertical axis.
- Change the weight of the vertical line.
- In our case, we set it to 1.5 pt.
- Then, also change the color of the font of the axis numbers to match the color of the data plot.
- After that, select the Chart Title and delete it.
- Then, click on the entire graph.
- From the available options to the right of the screen, select No Fill.
- Afterward, click on the Plus sign to the right of the graph.
- Check the Axis Title box.
- Then, format the axis title to match the color of the plot.
- After that, select the horizontal axis and reduce its minimum bounds.
- Now, go to the other chart and from there delete the plot that is modified in the previous chart.
- In our case, it will be the Sales data plot.
- Then, double-click on any of the two remaining plots.
- We will find that the plot is on the primary axis.
- Make the plot on a secondary axis.
- If the two plots overlap, change the minimum and maximum bounds of any one of the plots.
- Then, select the horizontal axis.
- Turn the axis into a solid line.
- You can also change the color of the axis to a bold color.
- Then, select the horizontal axis of the Sales chart.
- Change the color of the text to match it with the background color.
- Finally, overlap the plots.
- Consequently, we will see that the dataset is plotted with three vertical axes.
Read More: How to Make an X Y Graph in Excel (With Easy Steps)
How to Add Secondary X Axis in Excel
In this method, we will insert a secondary horizontal axis into our data.
Steps:
- To begin with, select the data.
- Then, opt for the Insert tab in the ribbon.
- Finally, from the Charts option, select the Line or Area Chart.
- Then, from the chart options, select any chart desirable for your data.
- In this case, we will choose the Line with Markers chart.
- Consequently, Excel will plot the data.
- Then, double-click on one of the lines on the graph.
- Consequently, we will find that the data points are plotted on the primary axis.
- After that, check the Secondary Axis box.
- Consequently, we will find that our second axis is added in the graph.
- Then, first, click on the Plus sign beside the graph.
- Secondly, click the arrow sign beside the Axes box.
- Thirdly, check the Secondary Horizontal box.
- Consequently, we will have our second X axis.
Read More: Plotting Row Number Instead of Value in Excel (with Easy Steps)
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Conclusion
In this article, we have talked about how to plot graph with multiple Y axis in Excel. After going through this article, users will have a clear understanding of how to plot data with multiple vertical and horizontal axes. This will allow them to present and interpret their data properly.
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