As technology progresses and more data becomes available, businesses are increasingly looking for ways to manage and interpret that data. One of the most effective and efficient ways to do this is to create a graph or chart that shows the relationship between two or more sets of data. Excel is an incredibly powerful tool for analyzing and visualizing data, allowing users to quickly create graphs that compare and contrast different datasets. In this blog post, we will explore how to create a graph in Excel that effectively compares two sets of data. We will discuss the best ways to format and organize the data, as well as the best chart or graph options to represent the data. We’ll also look at the various styling tools available in Excel to make the graph look professional and presentable. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of how to use Excel to compare two datasets and create an effective graph that clearly conveys the information.
- Enter data in the Excel spreadsheet you want on the graph. …
- Select the data you want on the graph. …
- Click the “Insert” tab and then look at the “Recommended Charts” in the charts group. …
- Choose “All Charts” and click “Combo” as the chart type.
How to show two sets of data on one graph in Excel
The steps you can use to add two sets of data to an Excel graph are listed below:
1. Enter data in the Excel spreadsheet you want on the graph
Excel requires that the data be represented in the spreadsheet in order to create a graph with it. Entering the values into different columns is one way to make sure that the data is already in the spreadsheet for multiple variables that you want to see plotted on the same graph. Across the spreadsheet’s rows is another way you could present the data.
2. Select the data you want on the graph
Once the data is saved in the spreadsheet, you can choose the data you want to display on the graph. Drag your mouse across all the data you desire, including the names of the columns and rows, to accomplish this. By observing whether the cells are gray rather than white, you can confirm that you selected the data.
3. Click the “Insert” tab and then look at the “Recommended Charts” in the charts group
You can see the objects you can insert after selecting the data by clicking the insert tab at the top of the spreadsheet. You can create a chart for your data by looking at the “Recommended Charts” section in that tab’s charts group. There are numerous options in that section from which to select.
4. Choose “All Charts” and click “Combo” as the chart type
Select “All Charts” from the options in the “Recommended Charts” section, and then, in the new dialog box that appears, select “Combo” as the chart type. Before you even edit the graph, these tell Excel that you want to work with multiple data sets. A combo chart also gives you more control over the editing process by displaying a dialog box where you can modify the axes, the data shown, and the format in which the data is displayed.
5. Select the “Clustered Column – Line” subtype and choose the type of graph you want
Make your selection of the “Clustered Column – Line” subtype from the available options. Excel typically chooses this subtype by default, but it’s a good idea to make sure this is how you present your data. This option will show a variety of graphs, including stacked column graphs, line graphs, and horizontal and vertical bar graphs. Typically, these graphs are used to show data that is related to or being compared. There are additional options available in the subtype section, and it can be crucial for presentations and shared data sets to select one that matches the purpose of the data.
6. Click the “Secondary Axis” box for data you want to be on the secondary axis
You can choose which data to display on the “Secondary Axis” when your data is displayed on two different axes. The two axes of your graph, for instance, can be used to analyze the data or to display the correlation between your two sets of data. Making predictions about how data will change in the future based on current trends and reducing the number of charts required for a presentation are two additional reasons you might include data on a secondary axis.
7. Select “OK” to create the chart with both sets of data
You can click “OK” to let Excel create your graph once you’ve decided on its components. You can alter the graph after you’ve finished this process by clicking inside of it and using the toolbar that appears on the right side of the graph. You can modify the display’s colors, add new data, and filter the data in the graph from this panel.
8. Press Ctrl+S or click the “Save” button to save your worksheet and graph
Saving your work is the process’s final step. Excel is a program that urges you to frequently save your work to prevent loss. To ensure that your spreadsheet’s new graph is saved after you’ve created it and placed all of its visual components where you want them, press Ctrl+S on your keyboard or use the save button. To make sure your data is accurate when you are ready to use it, you can also use this function whenever you are creating a graph or entering data.
Why is it important to show two sets of data on one graph in Excel?
Excel should always display two or more sets of data on a single graph because it can:
Tips for two sets of data on one graph
Following are some pointers for combining two sets of data on one graph:
Use a variety of colors
You can distinguish between different data sets by using different colors. This can be crucial when presenting the data because you can see how each data point is performing in relation to the others. Additionally, it makes it easier for you to explain to a viewer what each line means. To avoid confusion, if you use multiple graphs in your presentation, make sure to represent your data in each graph using the same color.
Use only one type of graph
It can be tempting to use multiple types of graphs in the same visual when you have two different data sets. Since you are probably comparing two sets of data when you use them, you should present them both using the same techniques to make comparisons simple. For instance, if you present your first set of data as a line graph, doing the same with your second set of data can help others who use the graph to understand it more clearly.
Ensure you have related data
Make sure the data are related to one another before you plot two sets of data on a single graph. The number of sales, for instance, and the number of web pages you read while not at work are two examples of data points that are unlikely to be connected. Graphing sets of data frequently reveals that they are connected in some way.
How to Add MULTIPLE Sets of Data to ONE GRAPH in Excel
FAQ
How do you combine two sets of data in a chart?
- Select a chart to open Chart Tools.
- Select Design > Change Chart Type.
- Select Combo > Cluster Column – Line on Secondary Axis.
- For the data series you want to display, choose Secondary Axis.
- Select the drop-down arrow and choose Line.
- Select OK.
How do I show two different data series in an Excel chart?
- Select the entire range of data you just entered, including the headers, and then select Chart from the Insert menu.
- Choose the type of graph you want from the Chart Type drop-down menu in the Chart Editor sidebar.
- Your chart displaying both data sets is ready.
How do you graph two sets of data sheets?
Chart of a Scatter Plot A scatter plot or scattergram reveals distribution trends or the relationship between two different variables. When there are numerous data points and you want to emphasize any similarities in the data set, use this chart.
What is the best graph for two sets of data?
Chart of a Scatter Plot A scatter plot or scattergram reveals distribution trends or the relationship between two different variables. When there are numerous data points and you want to emphasize any similarities in the data set, use this chart.
