How to add secondary axis in excel

Answer

To add a secondary axis in Excel, select your chart, click the plus icon (Chart Elements), check the Secondary Axis box, or right-click a data series and choose "Format Data Series" then select "Secondary Axis."

What Is a Secondary Axis

A secondary axis is an additional vertical (Y) axis on the right side of a chart that displays a different scale from the primary axis. Charts use secondary axes when plotting data series with different units of measurement or significantly different value ranges on the same chart.

When to Use a Secondary Axis

Use a secondary axis when you need to display two data series with different units (dollars versus percentages), vastly different scales (values in hundreds versus millions), or different data types (temperature versus rainfall) on one chart. The secondary axis prevents one data series from becoming invisible due to scale differences.

Steps to Add a Secondary Axis in Excel

Method 1: Using the Chart Elements Button

1. Click anywhere on your chart to select it
2. Click the plus icon (Chart Elements button) that appears at the top-right corner
3. Check the box next to "Secondary Axis"
4. Excel automatically assigns the second data series to the secondary axis

Method 2: Using Format Data Series

1. Right-click the data series you want to plot on the secondary axis
2. Select "Format Data Series" from the context menu
3. Choose "Secondary Axis" under Series Options in the Format Data Series pane
4. Click Close to apply the changes

Method 3: Using the Chart Design Tab

1. Select your chart
2. Navigate to the Chart Design tab in the ribbon
3. Click "Change Chart Type" in the Type group
4. Select "Combo" from the chart categories
5. Check "Secondary Axis" for the desired data series
6. Click OK to apply

Formatting the Secondary Axis

Right-click the secondary axis and select "Format Axis" to access formatting options. You can modify the axis bounds by setting minimum and maximum values, change the units displayed (thousands, millions), adjusting the number format (currency, percentage, decimal places), or customizing tick marks and labels.

Creating Different Chart Types on Each Axis

Excel allows different chart types for each axis through combination charts. Select your chart, click "Change Chart Type" from the Chart Design tab, choose "Combo" chart, then assign different chart types to each data series. Common combinations include column charts on the primary axis with line charts on the secondary axis.

Adjusting Scale Settings

To synchronize or differentiate scales between axes, right-click each axis and select "Format Axis." Set the minimum and maximum bounds manually to create proportional scales. The primary axis bounds appear under "Bounds" in the Format Axis pane, while secondary axis bounds adjust independently.

Common Issues and Solutions

Data series not visible after adding secondary axis: The scale difference between axes may hide data. Adjust the axis bounds manually to ensure both data series display properly.

Wrong data series on secondary axis: Right-click the incorrectly placed series, select "Format Data Series," and switch between Primary and Secondary Axis options.

Secondary axis not showing: Verify you have at least two data series in your chart. Excel requires multiple data series to enable the secondary axis option.

Removing a Secondary Axis

To remove a secondary axis, click the chart to select it, click the Chart Elements button (plus icon), then uncheck "Secondary Axis." Alternatively, right-click the secondary axis directly and select "Delete."

Platform Differences

Windows: Access chart tools through right-click menus or the ribbon interface. The Chart Design and Format tabs appear when selecting charts.

Mac: Chart formatting options appear in the ribbon similarly to Windows. The Format pane opens on the right side instead of a floating dialog box. Use Control+click instead of right-click to access context menus.

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