How to Plot Graph in Excel with Multiple Y Axis (3 Handy Ways)

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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.

how to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis


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.

selecting proper chart to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • 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.

choosing secondary axis to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

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.

using recommended chart command to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • 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.

selecting recommended chart to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • As a result, Excel will plot our graph with twoaxes.

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.

selecting preferred chart to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • 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.

duplicating chart to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • 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.

turning off gridlines to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • 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.

changing vertical axis color to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • Then, again select the vertical axis.
  • Change the weight of the vertical line.
  • In our case, we set it to 1.5 pt.

changing vertical axis weight to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • 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.

deleting chart title to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • Then, click on the entire graph.
  • From the available options to the right of the screen, select No Fill.

cancelling background fill to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • Afterward, click on the Plus sign to the right of the graph.
  • Check the Axis Title box.

formatting axis title to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • 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.

adding secondary axis to plot graph in excel with multiple y 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.

formatting horizontal axis to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

  • 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.

over lapping charts to plot graph in excel with multiple y axis

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 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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Adnan Masruf
Adnan Masruf

I am an engineering graduate. I graduated from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology(BUET), one of the top universities in Bangladesh from department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering with a major in structure. I am an avid reader of fiction especially fantasy. I also keep myself abreast of the recent developments in science and technology. I believe diligence will eventually pay off and luck tends to favor those who work hard.

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