If you have two series of data and one of the series is on a different scale, it might be impossible to interpret the smaller series.

Data in series A on the excel chart above is really hard to compare and analyze. You can solve this by moving series B to a secondary axis.

Add a secondary axis

1. Right click on series B
2. Click "Format Data Series..."
   
3. Select "Secondary Axis"
4. Click Close button

If you are unlucky, one of the data series is hidden. In this case, series A is totally hidden behind series B, see chart above. You can change the transparency for series B but in my opinion it makes the chart better but not great.

Yes, you can see both data series but it is still a mess and the colors in the legend and the columns don't match, see chart above. Don't add transparency, try separating the two series instead. Instructions, below.

Add two blank series

This is the data I am working with.

Here is how to add a blank series.

1. Right click on chart
2. Click on "Select Data..."
3. Click "Add" button
   
4. Select a blank cell range, in this case D2:D7
   
5. Click OK

Repeat step 3 - 6 to add a fourth blank series, you can use the same cell range. Then click OK button. The chart now looks like this:

Add space between columns series

1. Right click on series A on the chart
2. Click "Format Data Series..."
3. Add "Gap width" to 400%
4. Click OK

Customize legend

1. Click on the empty legend entry and delete
2. Do the same with Series4
3. Move the legend below
4. Add more descriptive text
5. Delete grid lines

Download excel *.xlsx file

Primary data is hidden behind secondary data.xlsx

---

Weekly Blog EMAIL

Email

Welcome! I am Oscar and here to help you out.

Feel free to comment and ask Excel questions.

Make sure you subscribe to my newsletter so you don't miss new blog articles.

Related articles

---