Combination Charts in Excel: The Ultimate Guide

Combination charts are a powerful tool in Excel that allows you to combine 2 or more chart types in a single chart. This helps you better represent and visualize your data, making it easier to understand and interpret. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about combination charts in Excel, from how to create them to the best practices for using them effectively.

What are Combination Charts?

Combination charts, also known as combo charts, are a type of chart that allows you to combine 2 or more chart types in a single chart. For example, you can create a chart that combines a column chart with a line chart or a bar chart with a scatter chart. By combining different chart types, you can better represent different aspects of your data in a single chart.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of combining 2 charts in Excel step-by-step. We will cover everything from selecting the right chart types to formatting and customizing your charts. By the end of this article, you will be able to create stunning and informative charts that help you make sense of your data.

Selecting the Right Chart Types

The first step in combining 2 charts in Excel is to select the right chart types for your data. You should choose chart types that can effectively represent the information you are trying to convey. For example, if you want to compare two data sets, you may use a bar chart or a line chart.

To select the right chart types, you should consider the following factors:

1. The data type you are working with (numerical, categorical, etc.)
2. The relationship between the data sets (comparisons, trends, etc.)
3. The chart’s purpose (to inform, persuade, etc.)

Once you have selected the right chart types for your data, you can create your charts using Excel’s chart wizard.

Formatting and Customizing Your Charts

After creating your charts, the next step is to format and customize them to make them more visually appealing and informative. Excel offers a wide range of formatting and customization options, including:

1. Changing the colors and fonts of your charts
2. Adding titles, labels, and annotations to your charts
3. Adjusting the axis scales and labels to represent your data better
4. Adding trendlines, data markers, and error bars to your charts

You can also use Excel’s chart layout and style options to quickly and easily apply pre-designed formatting and customization options to your charts.

Combining Your Charts

Once you have created and customized your charts, you can combine them using Excel’s chart tools. There are several ways to combine charts in Excel, including:

1. Using the “Copy and Paste” method: Simply copy one chart and paste it onto the other chart.
2. Using the “Overlay” method: Align one chart over the other and adjust the transparency or color of one chart to make it blend with the other.
3. Using the “Secondary Axis” method: Create a secondary axis for one chart and align it with the other to create a single chart with two data sets.

Regardless of your chosen method, it’s important to ensure that your combined chart is easy to read and understand. You can achieve this by:

1. Using clear and concise labels and titles
2. Using contrasting colors to differentiate between data sets
3. Using appropriate chart types to represent your data

Best Practices for Using Combination Charts

While combination charts can be a powerful tool, there are some best practices to keep in mind when using them:

1. Use combination charts when you need to represent different aspects of your data in a single chart.
2. Avoid combining too many chart types in a single chart, as this can make the chart cluttered and hard to read.
3. Make sure that each chart type in the combination chart has its own data axis, so that the scales of each chart type are appropriate for the data being represented.
4. Use colors and formatting to make it clear which chart type is being used for each data series in the chart.

Examples of Combination Charts

Here are some examples of combination charts that you can create in Excel:

Column Chart with Line Chart

A column chart with a line chart is a great way to show a comparison between two data series. For example, you can use this type of chart to show the sales and profits of a company over time.

Bar Chart with Scatter Chart

A bar chart with a scatter chart is a great way to show the relationship between two data series. For example, you can use this type of chart to show the correlation between the age and income of a group of people.