How to Create Combo Chart in Excel - Practical Guide

Learn to create a combo chart that combines two or more chart types (e.g., columns and line) to display different data series with varying scales on a single visualization. Combo charts are essential for comparing related metrics that require different measurement units or scales, making complex data relationships instantly clear.

Why This Matters

Combo charts enable simultaneous visualization of data with different scales (revenue vs. percentage growth), improving stakeholder communication and decision-making.

Prerequisites

•Basic Excel knowledge and familiarity with data organization
•Data prepared in adjacent columns with headers and numerical values
•Understanding of basic chart terminology (axes, series, legend)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Select Your Data Range

Highlight all data including headers and values (e.g., A1:C13) that you want to include in the combo chart, ensuring all series are adjacent.

Access the Chart Creation Tool

Go to Insert > Charts > Recommended Charts (or Insert > Chart), then select the Combo chart option from the chart type list.

Choose Combo Chart Type

Select your preferred combo variant (e.g., Column and Line, Column and Line on Secondary Axis) to match your data visualization needs.

Customize Data Series Types

In the chart design pane, click each data series and change its chart type individually using the dropdown menus to assign columns, lines, or areas as needed.

Configure Axes and Finalize

Add chart title via Chart Design > Add Chart Element > Chart Title, adjust axis labels and legend position, then click outside the chart to deselect.

Alternative Methods

Using Recommended Charts

Select data and click Insert > Recommended Charts; Excel suggests combo options automatically based on your data structure.

Right-Click Chart Type Change

Create any chart first, then right-click a data series and select Change Series Chart Type to convert it to a combo chart format.

Secondary Axis Method

Insert a standard column chart, then right-click one series and select Format Data Series > Secondary Axis to create a dual-axis combo effect.

Tips & Tricks

✓Use a secondary axis when data series have vastly different scales to prevent one series from appearing invisible.
✓Keep combo charts limited to 2-3 chart types to avoid visual clutter and maintain clarity.
✓Label secondary axes clearly so viewers understand which scale applies to each data series.
✓Test your combo chart with colorblind-friendly color schemes to ensure accessibility for all audiences.

Pro Tips

★Assign the most important metric to a column chart and secondary metrics to line charts for visual hierarchy.
★Use the secondary Y-axis sparingly—it can be misleading if not properly labeled and explained.
★Apply data labels to line series in combo charts to highlight key values and improve readability.
★Resize individual chart elements independently by double-clicking the chart and using corner handles for precise control.

Troubleshooting

One data series is barely visible or hidden behind another.

Right-click the hidden series, select Format Data Series, and change its chart type to Line or Area, or assign it to the secondary Y-axis via the Series Options tab.

The chart shows only one chart type instead of a combination.

Double-click the chart to enter edit mode, right-click each data series individually, and explicitly set its chart type via Change Series Chart Type.

Secondary axis is missing or not displaying correctly.

Select the data series intended for the secondary axis, right-click, go to Format Data Series > Series Options, and enable Secondary Axis.

Axis values are misaligned or scaled incorrectly.

Right-click the axis, select Format Axis, and manually set minimum/maximum values and major/minor units to create proportional scaling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a combo chart with more than two chart types?

Yes, Excel allows you to mix columns, lines, areas, and other chart types within a single combo chart. However, limiting to 2-3 types is recommended for clarity and visual balance to avoid overwhelming the viewer.

What's the difference between using a secondary axis and changing chart types?

Changing chart types applies different visual formats (columns vs. lines) to different series. A secondary axis adds a separate Y-axis for series with different scales. You can use both together for maximum flexibility.

How do I make sure my combo chart is accessible to colorblind viewers?

Use distinct patterns or textures in addition to colors, rely on data labels for clarity, and test your chart with colorblind-friendly palettes. Excel's accessibility checker can also highlight potential contrast issues.

Can I save a combo chart as a template for reuse?

Yes, right-click the chart and select Save as Template. This stores your combo chart design, allowing you to apply it to new data sets with consistent formatting and structure.