Combo charts are a great way to present different types of data on the same Excel chart. By combining two or more chart types, such as columns and lines, they allow you to show relationships between distinct data sets.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through how to create various types of combo charts in Excel using clear examples. You’ll learn how to:
- Build a basic combo chart on a single axis
- Make a more advanced combo chart with secondary axes
- Convert an existing chart into a combo chart
- Format and customize your combo chart
Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up your chart skills or an experienced Excel user needing a quick refresher this tutorial has you covered. Let’s get started with combo charts!
What Are Combo Charts in Excel?
Before diving in, let’s briefly overview what combo charts are.
A combo chart combines two or more chart types into a single chart This allows different types of data to be plotted on the same graph,
Common chart type combinations include:
- Column and line
- Column and scatter
- Line and pie
- Bar and area
- Scatter and bubble
Combo charts are helpful when you want to:
- Compare data sets with different value types, like sales vs. profit margins
- Show performance against a target line
- Highlight trends and correlations between data
- Plot continuous and categorical variables together
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s start building combo charts in Excel step-by-step.
Inserting a Basic Single-Axis Combo Chart
We’ll first walk through making a simple combo chart where all data is plotted along the same vertical axis
For this example, we’ll build a column and line chart to show monthly revenue performance against a target. Here’s our sample data:
| Month | Revenue | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $10,000 | $12,000 |
| Feb | $11,000 | $12,000 |
| Mar | $13,000 | $12,000 |
| Apr | $12,500 | $12,000 |
| May | $15,000 | $12,000 |
| Jun | $14,000 | $12,000 |
| Jul | $16,000 | $12,000 |
| Aug | $17,000 | $12,000 |
| Sep | $16,000 | $12,000 |
| Oct | $15,000 | $12,000 |
| Nov | $13,000 | $12,000 |
| Dec | $14,000 | $12,000 |
Follow these steps to build the combo chart:
-
Select the data to be charted. In this case, select cells A1 to C13.
-
On the Insert tab, click the Combo Chart button.
-
Choose the Clustered Column – Line chart type.
The combo chart will automatically be inserted into the worksheet:
![Combo chart with column and line plot][]
And that’s it! Excel builds a combo chart with revenue columns and target line along the shared vertical axis.
Now let’s look at creating a more complex combo chart with dual axes.
Building a Combo Chart with Secondary Axes
Sometimes you’ll want to plot data series with completely different value scales on the same chart. This requires using secondary axes.
Let’s walk through an example. Here’s our sample data showing monthly revenue and advertising expenses:
| Month | Revenue | Ad Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| Feb | $11,000 | $6,000 |
| Mar | $13,000 | $5,500 |
| Apr | $12,500 | $4,000 |
| May | $15,000 | $8,000 |
| Jun | $14,000 | $7,000 |
| Jul | $16,000 | $6,500 |
| Aug | $17,000 | $5,500 |
| Sep | $16,000 | $6,000 |
| Oct | $15,000 | $7,000 |
| Nov | $13,000 | $5,000 |
| Dec | $14,000 | $6,500 |
Follow these steps to make the combo chart:
-
Select the data range, A1:C13.
-
On the Insert tab, click Combo Chart.
-
Choose Clustered Column – Line on Secondary Axis.
The chart is inserted but needs further formatting:![Unformatted combo chart][]
-
Right-click the ad budget data series (blue line).
-
Click Format Data Series.
-
On the Fill & Line tab, change the Color to stand out from the columns.
The finished chart with custom colors and labeled axes: ![Formatted combo chart][]
And that’s it! By using a secondary vertical axis, we can easily plot two very different data sets on the same combo chart.
Converting an Existing Chart into a Combo Chart
In addition to building combo charts from a data table, you can also convert existing charts into combo charts.
Let’s say you start with a basic column chart showing revenue and expenses:![Single column chart][]
To transform this into a combo chart:
-
Right-click the data series you want to change. In our example, right-click the blue ad budget columns.
-
Select Change Series Chart Type.
-
Check the Secondary Axis box.
-
Change the Chart Type to Line.
The chart is now converted into a combo chart with the ad budget as a line plot.
And that’s it! With just a few clicks, you can turn any single chart into a combo chart in Excel.
Tips for Formatting and Customizing Combo Charts
Once your combo chart is built, it often needs additional formatting and polish. Here are some useful tips:
- Edit the chart and axis titles – Describe what’s being plotted.
- Add data labels – Show values directly on the data points.
- Change colors – Use colors that complement each other.
- Adjust scale – Make sure data is readable.
- Add gridlines – Improve readability of values along the axes.
- Show or hide legend – Toggle on/off depending on need.
- Align axes – In dual-axis charts, align the axes for easier comparison.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different design options under the Design and Format tabs.
Key Takeaways for Combo Charts in Excel
We’ve covered a lot of ground around building combo charts. Here are some key tips to remember:
- Combine chart types – Mix and match column, line, scatter, bubble, bar, and area charts.
- Single vs. dual axes – Use a secondary vertical axis when plotting very different data scales.
- Select data – Highlight your data range before inserting chart.
- Convert existing charts – Change single charts into combo via formatting options.
- Customize formatting – Refine chart colors, labels, scale, and layout.
With these steps, you should feel confident creating polished, effective combo charts in Excel to clearly present your data.
Common Questions about Excel Combo Charts
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about combo charts in Excel:
Can you combine a column and bar chart?
Yes, you can mix column and bar chart types in the same combo chart. Just choose “Clustered Column – Clustered Bar” when inserting the chart.
What about mixing line and scatter plots?
Absolutely, Excel supports combo charts with both line and scatter plots overlaid on each other. Choose “Scatter with Straight Lines” as the chart type.
Can secondary axes have a different scale?
Yes! A key benefit of secondary axes is they can use a totally different value scale than the primary vertical axis. Just be sure to label the axes clearly.
How many chart types can you combine?
There’s no specific limit, but most combo charts use 2-3 chart types maximum. Using too many makes the chart overly complex.
Can I turn a 3D chart into a combo chart?
Unfortunately no – combo charts only work with 2D chart types like 2D column, 2D line, 2D pie, etc.
What about mixing pie charts and lines?
Pie charts can’t be combined with lines in the same combo chart. But you can place a pie and line chart
2 Answers 2 Sorted by:
Forget creating the chart as a combo first thing. No flexibility.
Make a column chart with all of your data (all 3 or 4 or 15 series, whatever).
Select any series, right click, and choose Change Series Chart Type from the pop up menu.
Now you can individually change the chart type and axis of any and all series in the chart, in any order, independently of each other.
I think Jon Peltiers reply answers the question well, I would add the following information.
When you add the Series 4 or other data for more series, please select the chart > Insert tab > Recommended Charts in Chart group > All Charts tab > Combo, check the series, and choose the chart type, whether use secondary axis for them.
