{"id":20306,"date":"2022-12-01T19:36:32","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T19:36:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2022\/12\/01\/how-to-add-or-remove-a-secondary-axis-in-an-excel-chart\/"},"modified":"2022-12-01T19:36:32","modified_gmt":"2022-12-01T19:36:32","slug":"how-to-add-or-remove-a-secondary-axis-in-an-excel-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2022\/12\/01\/how-to-add-or-remove-a-secondary-axis-in-an-excel-chart\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Add or Remove a Secondary Axis in an Excel Chart"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Excel<\/p>\n

You can add a secondary axis in Excel by making your chart a combo chart, enabling the “Secondary Axis” option for a series, and plotting the series in a style different from the primary axis. If you decide to remove the second axis later, simply select it and hit Delete.<\/p>\n

If you have a chart<\/a> where you\u2019re plotting different types of data or the values vary, consider adding a second axis for easier viewing. We\u2019ll show you how to painlessly create a two-axis chart in Excel.<\/p>\n

When to Use a Secondary Axis<\/h2>\n

You may have a mixture of data series<\/a> with currencies, percentages, decimals, or whole numbers. Or maybe the values you\u2019re displaying vary by greater amounts than the chart can adequately show. In these cases, adding a second vertical axis to the chart can depict the data more effectively.<\/p>\n

For example, we have our data set including expenses and revenue for our locations. We also have the number of employees for each location to show how those numbers affect the expenses and revenue. This chart has two problems.<\/p>\n

\"Chart<\/p>\n

First, the values for the employees are well below the smallest amounts for expenses and revenue. Second, we have a mix of currency and number formats. Not only is the data almost impossible to see, but it\u2019s meaningless without the number values.<\/p>\n

\"Chart<\/p>\n

As you can see, plotting this data without a secondary axis doesn\u2019t provide a successful or useful picture.<\/p>\n

Add a Secondary Axis in Excel<\/h2>\n

If you haven\u2019t yet created your chart, you can add the secondary axis immediately by creating a combo chart<\/a> from the start. But if you already have your chart and simply want to add the second axis to it, you\u2019ll convert your chart, in a sense, to a combo chart.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> How to Create a Combo Chart in Excel<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

To begin the conversion to a two-axis chart, select one of the indicators for the axis you want to turn into a secondary axis. Then, right-click<\/a> and pick \u201cChange Series Chart Type.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Change<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll see the Change Chart Type window open with Combo selected on the left. On the right, you have your current chart type with the data beneath.<\/p>\n

\"Current<\/p>\n

Use the Chart Type drop-down box next to the data series you want to change. Commonly, using a line or line with markers for the second axis works well. However, you can choose another option like area or scatter with lines<\/a> for a unique appearance if you like.<\/p>\n

\"Chart<\/p>\n

Then, check the box to the right of the same series for \u201cSecondary Axis.\u201d<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll then see a preview of the updated chart. As you can see, the second axis stands out on its own and also includes the values along the right side. Both of which make the data much easier to understand.<\/p>\n

\"Secondary<\/p>\n

Note:<\/strong> Combo charts normally work with the column chart type. So, you may have to adjust this if you\u2019re using a bubble chart<\/a> or other kind of graph.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When you finish, click \u201cOK\u201d to apply the change to the chart in your sheet. You can then add axis titles<\/a> or set up\u00a0data labels<\/a> for even more clarity.<\/p>\n

\"Updated<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 6 Tips for Making Microsoft Excel Charts That Stand Out<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Remove a Secondary Axis in Excel<\/h2>\n

If you decide later that you no longer want a secondary axis in your chart, the way you remove it depends on how you want to display the remaining data.<\/p>\n

Remove the Axis and Data From the Chart<\/h3>\n

You can remove the axis and corresponding data from your two-axis chart quickly and easily. Select the secondary axis on the chart and press your Delete key.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll then see both removed from the chart.<\/p>\n

\"Before<\/p>\n

Convert the Axis to a Different Type<\/h3>\n

You can keep the data on the chart and change its type just like the example above for converting it to a combo chart.<\/p>\n

Right-click the data series and pick \u201cChange Series Chart Type.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Change<\/p>\n

Then, choose the type in the drop-down menu. Be sure to uncheck the box for Secondary Axis. Click \u201cOK\u201d to apply the change.<\/p>\n

\"Changed<\/p>\n

Convert the Secondary Axis to a Primary Axis<\/h3>\n

One other option is to turn the secondary axis into a primary axis<\/a>. Depending on the chart type you\u2019re using for the secondary axis, this might be the ideal option for you.<\/p>\n

Right-click the data series and pick \u201cFormat Data Series.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Format<\/p>\n

When the sidebar opens, select the Primary Axis option in the Series Options section. Note that you should be directed to this exact spot from the shortcut menu.<\/p>\n

\"Primary<\/p>\n

Again, depending on the chart type, you may need to change the style of the axis after you convert it. You can do this by right-clicking, choosing \u201cChange Series Chart Type,\u201d and picking the style as described earlier.<\/p>\n

By adding a secondary axis in Excel, you can improve your chart\u2019s readability to make it a more useful visual. For more, look at how to choose a chart to fit your data in Excel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n