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 Make an X-Y 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: Create a Chart from Selected Range of Cells in Excel


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, 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 a Graph from a Table in Excel


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.


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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

Adnan Masruf, holding a BSc in Naval Architecture & Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, plays a pivotal role as an Excel & VBA Content Developer at ExcelDemy. His deep passion for research and innovation seamlessly aligns with his dedication to Excel. In this capacity, Masruf not only skillfully addresses challenging issues but also exhibits enthusiasm and expertise in gracefully navigating intricate situations, underscoring his steadfast commitment to consistently delivering exceptional content. His interests... Read Full Bio

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