How to Add a Secondary Vertical Axis in Microsoft Excel

How to Add a Secondary Vertical Axis in Microsoft Excel

Understanding how to add a secondary vertical axis in Microsoft Excel can significantly enhance your ability to visualize data. This feature allows you to compare multiple data series on the same chart with precision. Here’s how:

• Step 1. Open Excel and Load Your Data

  Open Microsoft Excel and load the spreadsheet containing the data you want to chart.

• Step 2. Select Data Range

  Highlight the data range you want to include in your chart. This may involve selecting multiple columns or rows depending on your dataset.

• Step 3. Insert Chart

  

  Navigate to the “Insert” tab on the Excel ribbon and choose the desired chart type. Click on it to insert the chart into your spreadsheet.

• Step 4. Right-click Data Series

  Right-click on one of the data series in the chart. This will open a context menu.

• Step 5. Format Data Series

  

  From the context menu, select “Format Data Series.” This will open a pane on the right side of the Excel window.

• Step 6. Access Series Options

  In the Format Data Series pane, navigate to the “Series Options” tab.

• Step 7. Activate Secondary Axis

  

  Locate the option labeled “Secondary Axis” and check the box next to it. This tells Excel to display this data series on a secondary vertical axis. Click “Close” to apply the changes and close the Format Data Series pane.