What is a combo chart?
A combo chart is just a name for a chart that uses more than one chart key in.
For example, a column chart combined with a line chart.
Here we have annual financial data for Google, including Revenue, Net Income, and Profit Margin.
This is a case where the label “Year” confuses Excel because it suggests a data series.
We could fix this using Select Data…
But overall it will be easier if I remove the column heading, and loop back and try.
The solution is to switch profit margin to a line, plotted on a secondary axis.
you’re able to do this by changing the chart key in.
In the window that opens, select Combo chart on the All Charts tab.
Then, ensure profit margin is set to Line, and secondary axis is checked.
Now we have a legible chart.
There were quite a few steps there, and you might wonder if there’s a better way.
And the answer is yes.
Let’s try that.
I’ll first delete the existing chart.
Then I’ll add back the column heading for year.
Next, I’ll use Recommended Charts, find the combo chart suggested, and insert the chart.
So this looks pretty good.
So, the bottom line is, with data like this, start with Recommended Charts.
Then if needed use the Change Chart punch in to confirm or adjust tweaks.
