Combo Chart (Columns + Line)

2013+Combo

Show two different things on one chart — revenue as columns, margin % as a line on a second axis. A combo chart mixes types and scales so related metrics share a single picture.

Quick formula: select both series, then:

Insert → Combo Chart → set one series to Line, check Secondary Axis

One series stays columns, the other becomes a line on its own axis — ideal when the two metrics have very different scales.

The example

Revenue (columns, left axis) and margin % (line, right axis).

	A	B	C
1	Month	Revenue	Margin %
2	Jan	$40,000	32%
3	Feb	$52,000	35%

The formula

Combo charts are configured, not formulaic:

Insert → Combo → Revenue: Clustered Column Margin %: Line + Secondary Axis // two scales, one chart

How it works

Mix chart types and add a second axis:

Select both data series, then Insert → Combo Chart (or Insert → Recommended → All Charts → Combo).
Leave the large-scale series (revenue) as columns.
Set the small-scale series (margin %) to Line and tick Secondary Axis so it gets its own scale on the right.
Without the secondary axis, the percent line would be a flat line crushed against zero next to the big revenue columns.

Don’t overload it. Two series and two axes is the sweet spot. A third axis isn’t supported and more than two metrics usually means two charts read better than one cluttered combo.

Try it: interactive demo

Live demo

Revenue (columns) + margin% (line, 2nd axis).

Variations

Two columns + line

Cluster two column series, line a third.

Area + line

Change the column series to Area for a softer look.

Target line

Add a flat target series as a line.

Pitfalls & errors

Use the secondary axis. Mixing a percentage with dollars on one axis flattens the small series. Always put the different-scale series on the secondary axis.

Label both axes. Two scales confuse readers unless each axis is clearly titled (e.g. “Revenue $” / “Margin %”).

2013+ for the built-in Combo type. In 2010 you change one series’ type manually and add a secondary axis by hand.

Practice workbook

📊

Download the free Combo Chart (Columns + Line) practice workbook

A combo-chart dataset with a real column+line chart on two axes, plus 4 challenges with answers. No sign-up required.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a combo chart in Excel?

Select both series, Insert → Combo Chart, keep one as columns and set the other to Line with Secondary Axis checked so each metric uses its own scale.

When do I need a secondary axis?

When the two series have very different scales (dollars vs percent). Without it, the small-scale series is crushed flat against the axis.

Can I put three metrics on a combo chart?

Excel supports only two axes. More than two metrics usually reads better as two separate charts than one cluttered combo.

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