Ask a new question

Multiple Y axis in Excel charts

As far as I can tell Excel has a limit of 2 y axis, i.e. 2 vertical axis, when creating a chart.  I would like to be able to create charts with more than 2, possible up to 8 vertical axis in order to provide comparisons on a single chart, rather than have multiple charts with just 2 datasets compared.

For example, I want to compare the price history of aluminum, copper, iron, and zinc all on one chart with a line for each metal in different colors, or possibly different combinations of dashes and dots for black and white printing.

Is there a way to do this in Excel?

If not I would like to suggest that feature be added.

Answer
Answer

Hello,

this can be done in Excel, but it's not a very good data visualization. The screenshot shows the final result.

What you are looking at are three overlaid charts:

  • chart with blue and orange lines, blue on primary, orange on secondary axis
  • chart with green and yellow lines, green on primary, yellow on secondary axis, axes line and labels hidden, chart background set to "none", then placed on top of first chart.
  • chart with green and yellow series, green on primary, yellow on secondary axis, series formatted to have no visible lines, chart background set to "none", chart made wider so vertical axes show outside of blue/orange axes when overlaying first two chart

Basically you need to play with hiding and showing chart elements, making the background of the overlaying charts transparent and then carefully placing the charts on top of each other. 

___________________
cheers, teylyn
 
Community Moderator
www.teylyn.com

7 people found this reply helpful

·

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

 
 

Question Info

Last updated December 15, 2024 Views 16,602 Applies to: