Add or remove a secondary axis in a chart in Excel

In Excel, you can add or remove a secondary axis to a chart when you have multiple data series with different value ranges. A secondary axis allows you to plot two sets of data with different scales on the same chart. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Add a Secondary Axis to a Chart

Steps to Add a Secondary Axis:

1. Select the Chart: Click on the chart to select it.
2. Select the Data Series: Click on one of the data series (the bars, lines, etc.) that you want to plot on the secondary axis. If you have multiple series, you can click on the one that has a different scale from the others.
3. Right-Click the Data Series: Right-click the selected data series, and in the context menu, choose Format Data Series.
4. Format Data Series:
   • A Format Data Series pane will appear on the right side.
   • Under the Series Options, select the Secondary Axis option. This will move the selected series to a secondary vertical axis.
5. Close the Formatting Pane: Click the Close button to close the pane.

Your chart will now display the selected data series using the secondary axis, which will appear on the right side of the chart.

2. Customize the Secondary Axis

Once the secondary axis is added, you can format it to improve the readability and visual appeal of your chart.

Steps to Format the Secondary Axis:

1. Select the Secondary Axis: Click on the secondary axis (the axis on the right side of the chart).
2. Right-Click the Axis: Right-click the secondary axis and choose Format Axis from the context menu.
3. Adjust Axis Settings:
   • In the Format Axis pane, you can adjust the minimum and maximum values, major and minor units, and other properties of the secondary axis.
   • You can also change the number format for the axis (e.g., currency, percentage, etc.).
4. Close the Formatting Pane: Click Close to exit.

3. Remove a Secondary Axis from a Chart

Steps to Remove a Secondary Axis:

1. Select the Chart: Click on the chart where the secondary axis is located.
2. Select the Data Series: Click on the data series that is plotted on the secondary axis.
3. Right-Click the Data Series: Right-click the selected data series, and in the context menu, choose Format Data Series.
4. Remove the Secondary Axis:
   • In the Format Data Series pane, under Series Options, select Primary Axis.
5. Close the Formatting Pane: Click Close to finalize the changes. The data series will now be displayed using the primary axis.

Alternatively, you can delete the secondary axis entirely by clicking on the secondary axis and pressing Delete.

4. Adjust the Chart for Clarity

• After adding or removing the secondary axis, you may want to adjust the chart layout and legend to ensure that your chart remains clear and easy to understand.
• Consider adding data labels or annotations to help explain the different axes and data series.

Conclusion

By adding or removing a secondary axis in Excel, you can plot multiple data series with different value ranges on the same chart. This makes it easier to compare data with varying scales. You can also customize the secondary axis and adjust the chart for better presentation and clarity.