Adding A Second Axis To A Chart In Excel
Charts are an excellent way to represent data in a visually appealing manner. Microsoft Excel comes with a wide range of chart types that can be customized to suit your needs. One of the most useful features in Excel is the ability to add a second axis to a chart. This feature allows you to plot two different data series that have different units of measurement on the same chart. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in adding a second axis to a chart in Excel.
Step 1: Create A Chart
The first step is to create a chart in Excel. To do this, select the data you want to include in your chart and click on the 'Insert' tab. From the 'Charts' group, select the type of chart you want to create. You can choose from a variety of chart types such as column, line, pie, bar, and more.
Step 2: Select The Data Series
Once you have created a chart, you need to select the data series that you want to use for the second axis. To do this, right-click on the chart and select 'Select Data' from the context menu. In the 'Select Data Source' dialog box, select the data series you want to use for the second axis and click on the 'Edit' button.
Step 3: Add A Second Axis
After selecting the data series, you need to add a second axis to the chart. To do this, click on the 'Format' tab and select 'Current Selection' from the 'Chart Elements' dropdown list. From the 'Current Selection' group, select the data series you want to use for the second axis and click on the 'Format Selection' button. In the 'Format Data Series' dialog box, select the 'Secondary Axis' option and click on the 'Close' button.
Step 4: Adjust The Scale Of The Second Axis
Now that you have added a second axis to the chart, you need to adjust the scale of the second axis. To do this, right-click on the second axis and select 'Format Axis' from the context menu. In the 'Format Axis' dialog box, select the 'Scale' tab and adjust the minimum, maximum, and interval values to suit your needs. Click on the 'Close' button to apply the changes.
Step 5: Customize The Chart
Once you have added a second axis to the chart, you can customize it further to suit your needs. You can add titles, legends, gridlines, and more. To do this, click on the 'Design' and 'Format' tabs and select the options you want to use.
Conclusion
Adding a second axis to a chart in Excel can be a powerful tool for visualizing data. With this feature, you can plot two different data series that have different units of measurement on the same chart. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily add a second axis to your charts in Excel.