Combo charts in Google Sheets - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

📊 Formula Result

intermediate

Understanding Combo Chart Data Setup

You have sales data for two products over 4 months in columns A to C:

A1: Month, B1: Product A, C1: Product B
A2: Jan, B2: 100, C2: 200
A3: Feb, B3: 150, C3: 180
A4: Mar, B4: 130, C4: 210
A5: Apr, B5: 170, C5: 190

You want to create a combo chart where Product A is a column chart and Product B is a line chart.

Which of the following correctly describes how to set the chart series types in Google Sheets?

A Set Product A series type to 'Area' and Product B series type to 'Column' in the combo chart setup.

B Set both Product A and Product B series types to 'Line' for a combo chart.

C Set Product A series type to 'Line' and Product B series type to 'Column' in the combo chart setup.

D Set Product A series type to 'Column' and Product B series type to 'Line' in the combo chart setup.

💡 Hint

Think about which product you want as columns and which as lines.

In a combo chart, you can assign different chart types to each data series. Here, Product A should be columns and Product B lines, so option D is correct.

❓ Function Choice

intermediate

Choosing the Right Function for Dynamic Chart Data

You want to create a combo chart that updates automatically when new monthly sales data is added below your existing data.

Which Google Sheets function is best to create a dynamic range for the chart data?

A Use the OFFSET function combined with COUNTA to define a dynamic range.

B Use the NOW function to update the chart data range.

C Use the INDIRECT function with a fixed range reference.

D Use the RAND function to generate dynamic chart data.

💡 Hint

Think about a function that can adjust range size based on data count.

The OFFSET function combined with COUNTA can create a range that expands as new data is added, making the chart dynamic.

🎯 Scenario

advanced

Troubleshooting Combo Chart Series Types

You created a combo chart with two data series. You set the first series to 'Column' and the second to 'Line'. However, the line series is not visible on the chart.

What is the most likely reason?

A The chart type does not support line series.

B The line series data contains text instead of numbers.

C The line series data is on a different scale and needs a secondary axis.

D The first series must be set to 'Line' for the second to show.

💡 Hint

Consider if the line data values are much smaller or larger than the column data.

If the line series values differ greatly from the column series, it may be hidden without a secondary axis. Assigning the line series to a secondary axis makes it visible.

❓ data_analysis

advanced

Analyzing Combo Chart Axis Settings

You have a combo chart with two series: Revenue (in thousands) as columns and Profit Margin (percentage) as a line.

Which axis setting is best for the Profit Margin series to make the chart clear?

A Assign Profit Margin to the horizontal axis.

B Assign Profit Margin to a secondary vertical axis.

C Assign Profit Margin to the primary vertical axis with Revenue.

D Do not assign any axis; let Google Sheets decide automatically.

💡 Hint

Think about how different units affect axis clarity.

Profit Margin is a percentage and Revenue is in thousands. Using a secondary vertical axis for Profit Margin keeps scales clear and readable.

🧠 Conceptual

expert

Combo Chart Behavior with Missing Data

In a combo chart, if one data series has missing values (blank cells) for some categories, what happens to the chart display for those points?

A The chart shows gaps or breaks in the line series where data is missing.

B The chart skips those points and connects the line series across missing data.

C The chart fills missing data points with zeros automatically.

D The chart crashes and cannot display the combo chart.

💡 Hint

Consider how line charts handle missing data points visually.

Google Sheets combo charts show gaps or breaks in line series where data is missing, rather than connecting points or filling zeros automatically.