Combine Séries Graph at different Scales

Chaturvedi, Santosh 400 Reputation points
2026-08-31T14:53:47.5666667+00:00

Hello --> Greetings !!

here is an situation. (Values are Hypothetical not real time data)

I need to creaet the graoph like below merging 3 to 4 series with different large scale at x& y axis, pelase see below.

Target graph to consreuct.

User's image

Current situation.

  1. I have added 2 series as shown below, this need to be reversed-as per fig above-> Please advice.
  2. The other series (gren, pink, red) to be combined in the graph. Notice Y axis shall be on common, X axis is having larger values (10 power 6)

User's image

Target to make : The following result is required.

User's image

Please advice.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Hani-Ng 1,135 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-31T15:22:35.2366667+00:00

Hi Chaturvedi, Santosh

You can refer to AI's recommendations first, especially regarding the use of an XY (Scatter) chart and proper assignment of X and Y values for each series.

In addition, if the objective is to reproduce the reference figure as closely as possible, it may be worth considering a Combo Chart approach. The stress spectrum (blue/orange bars) and the S-N curve points (σR, σD, σL) represent different types of X-axis data:

  • The spectrum is typically displayed against ordered intervals or categories.
  • The S-N curve is based on actual cycle counts (N), often spanning several orders of magnitude and requiring a logarithmic scale.

Therefore, keeping the spectrum as a Column/Area series and plotting the S-N curve on a secondary logarithmic X-axis can sometimes provide a layout that more closely matches the target figure. Also, if the spectrum appears in the opposite direction, reversing the primary category axis may help achieve the desired left-to-right presentation.

Overall, XY chart suggestion is a good starting point. If maintaining the spectrum appearance shown in the target graph is equally important, a Combo Chart with a logarithmic secondary axis may be an alternative worth exploring.

I hope this information helps and if you have any further questions, please feel free to ask via comment section.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.

1 additional answer

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-08-31T14:54:08.81+00:00

    Use an XY (Scatter) chart for this, not a regular Line or Column chart. An XY chart treats both X and Y as numeric values, which is required when the X values are large and unevenly spaced.

    Recommended setup:

    1. Arrange each series as paired numeric columns:
      • Series 1: X1, Y1
      • Series 2: X2, Y2
      • Series 3: X3, Y3
      • Series 4: X4, Y4
    2. Insert the first series as:
      • Insert > Scatter (X, Y) > Scatter with Straight Lines and Markers
    3. Add the other series to the same chart:
      • Select the chart
      • Go to Chart Design > Select Data > Add
      • For each series, assign its X values and Y values separately
    4. If one series must use a different scale, place it on a secondary axis:
      • Select that series
      • Right-click Format Data Series
      • Under Series Options, choose Secondary Axis
    5. If the chart needs a mixed presentation, use a Combo chart and enable Secondary Axis for the required series:
      • Chart Design > Change Chart Type > Combo
      • Check Secondary Axis for the series that should be separated
    6. To keep the graph adjusting automatically when values change:
      • Keep axis bounds on Automatic
      • Convert the source range to an Excel Table before creating the chart so added rows are included automatically
    7. For a consistent result like the target image:
      • Put the descending line as one XY series
      • Put the colored point groups or segments as separate XY series
      • Use the same Y-axis when scales are comparable
      • Use the secondary axis only for the series with a very different scale

    If the current chart is reversed, rebuild it as an XY (Scatter) chart and explicitly assign the correct X range and Y range for each series. That is the key change needed to match the target graph.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.