Combining Two Sets of Data Into One Graph in Excel
To merge two sets of data into one graph in Excel, select both sets of data that will comprise the graph. Next, choose an option called “Combo” from the parent group titled “All Charts.”
A benefit of using Microsoft Excel as a spreadsheet application is that it displays simple information just as clearly as it does more complex graphs. Although it can take some time to learn formulas and enter data, Microsoft Excel is quite user-friendly. The “Chart Wizard,” which is a feature on Microsoft Excel, facilitates the process of combining two separate data sets into one larger graph. This process takes several steps to complete.
Combining Data Sets into a Graph The first step in combining two graphs is selecting the data sets that will go into the graph. To do this, click and drag the mouse over the cells with the data sets to select. The next step is merging the data. To perform this step, find the “Insert” tab and then the “Charts” group. Look for the “Recommended Charts” feature within the Charts group. Then, click on a feature called All Charts.” Using the mouse, select “Combo” as the main chart type. Next, choose “Clustered Column-Line” as the second type of chart. Then, find the “Insert Chart” window and decide what kind of chart is desired for each individual set of data. After that, decide what set of data to show on the secondary axis. Once that decision has been made, click the “Secondary Axis” box on each data set to confirm these preferences. Finally, press “OK” in the chart window screen to create the graph.
At this point, save the changes that were created. To do so, press “Ctrl-S” or hit the “Save” button. Choose a new name for the graph and save it to a folder or location of choice. Once the graph has been created and saved, there is the option of customizing it. Graphs can be customized by color, type, style and more. Start by filtering through the different parts of the graph, such as the X axis and the Y axis, and adding titles and descriptions to them. Using several tools, like “Chart Styles,” “Background,” and “Axis,” one can control and customize the look of the graph. Color coding is a popular option for making graphs more readable and presentation-friendly. One can also experiment with displaying information in different graph formats, such as a pie chart or line graph.
Other Graphing Functions in Microsoft Excel In addition to creating graphs, people can perform many other graphing functions in Microsoft Excel. A person can learn to plot two different things on the same Y axis, for instance, and he or she can add a second chart to an existing chart in Microsoft Excel. People can also create two Y-axes in Microsoft Excel and add a second series at the end of the chart. Creating multiple graphs with multiple columns is another function that people can perform using Excel. While Microsoft Word can perform some of the same functions as Microsoft Excel, Excel is typically a more detailed option for organizing data and creating lists. Microsoft Word documents also contain tables and columns, but it can be easier to lay out and visualize that data with Microsoft Excel.
