Combo charts in Excel - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Combo charts let you show two or more types of charts together in one view. This helps compare different kinds of data clearly, like sales numbers and profit percentages on the same chart.

When you want to show sales as bars and profit margin as a line on the same chart.

When comparing two data sets with very different scales, like revenue and number of customers.

When you want to highlight trends and exact values together in one chart.

When you need to combine a column chart with a line chart to make data easier to understand.

When presenting data to people who prefer visual comparisons of different data types.

Steps

Step 1: Select the data range you want to chart

- Excel worksheet

The cells with your data are highlighted

💡 Include headers for better chart labels

Step 2: Click the Insert tab

- Ribbon at the top of Excel

Insert options appear below the ribbon

Step 3: Click the Recommended Charts button

- Charts group on the Insert tab

A dialog box with chart options opens

Step 4: Select the Combo tab in the dialog box

- Insert Chart dialog box

Combo chart options appear

Step 5: Choose chart types for each data series from the dropdowns

- Combo chart options in the dialog box

Each data series is assigned a chart type like Column or Line

Step 6: Check the Secondary Axis box for data series with different scales

- Combo chart options next to each data series

Selected data series will use a second vertical axis on the right

Step 7: Click OK

- Insert Chart dialog box

Combo chart appears on the worksheet showing combined chart types

Before vs After

Before

Data table with monthly sales and profit margin percentages in columns

After

Combo chart showing sales as columns and profit margin as a line with a secondary axis

Settings Reference

Chart Type for Each Series

📍 Insert Chart dialog box > Combo tab

Choose how each data series is displayed visually

Default: Column

Secondary Axis

📍 Insert Chart dialog box > Combo tab next to each series

Use a second vertical axis for data series with different value ranges

Default: Unchecked

Chart Title

📍 Chart Tools > Design tab > Chart Layouts group

Add or remove a title to describe the chart

Default: Above Chart

Common Mistakes

Not using the secondary axis for data series with very different scales

The smaller scale data becomes hard to see or compare on the same axis

Check the Secondary Axis box for the data series with smaller or larger values

Selecting incompatible chart types for combo charts

Some chart types do not combine well and can confuse the viewer

Use common combinations like Column and Line charts for clarity

Summary

Combo charts combine two or more chart types to show different data sets together.

Use the Insert > Recommended Charts > Combo tab to create them easily.

Remember to use the secondary axis for data series with different scales.