MARCH 24, 2025
How to Add a Third Axis in Excel with a Chart or Graph
Have you ever struggled with visualizing complex data in Excel charts?
When working with multiple sets of data that have different scales, a regular chart might not be enough.
The good news is that you can create a 3-axis graph in Microsoft Excel by adding a third axis, making it easier to analyze multiple data series in a single location.
This is particularly useful for financial analysis, where tracking metrics like profit margin, revenue, and expenses together requires a multi-axis chart.
Whether you need a secondary axis, a third y-axis, or a second x-axis, Excel provides powerful customization options.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover the following steps to add a third axis to your Excel graph using modern versions of Excel and advanced Excel AI tools.
Let’s dive in and explore how to improve your data analysis with multi-axis line charts, bar graphs, and scatter charts.
You may also want to see: How to Have Multiple Lines of Text in One Excel Cell.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Third Axis in Excel
Prepare Your Data Set
Open your Excel file and select your sets of data.
Make sure that all data points are clearly labeled.
Insert a Chart
Select everything and select a chart.
Add a Secondary Axis
Make a copy of the graph.
In the original or first chart, delete the third series in the chart (we are going to delete the green line: Profit Margin).
In the copy or second chart, delete the other 2 lines on the second chart (orange and blue lines).
On the first chart, we need to put the orange line on a secondary axis.
To do this, double-click on the orange line and select ‘secondary axis’ on the right-hand side.
You will now see 2 vertical axes on the first chart.
Customize the chart
Make the color of the axis the same as the graph or line that it is associated with.
Change the color of the vertical axis line.
What the charts will look like after you have changed all the colors and vertical line.
Include tick lines on all of the vertical axis
Double-click on the axis so the format axis box can open on the right.
Go to tick marks and select ‘Outside’ on the dropdown list.
This is what it will look like once you have added all the tick lines.
Now let’s work on the chart titles
On the second chart, delete the text in the title and just make a space.
We make a space there so that the title area can remain the size that it is.
Remove the background of the second chart
Adjust the second chart series
Change the minimum value on the horizontal axis in the second chart
To do this, double-click on the horizontal axis so the format axis window can open on the right.
Change the minimum to -1 or whatever amount will work for your chart adjustment.
Our horizontal values have an increment of 1 that’s why we made the minimum for the second chart -1.
Change the axis value under ‘Vertical axis crosses’ to -1 as well.
Now, make the horizontal axis on the second chart invisible.
To do this, select the horizontal axis and go to format.
This is what it will look like afterward.
Remove the grid lines on the chart.
Select the chart.
Overlay the second chart on the first chart
Drag the second chart onto the first chart.
Adjust by stretching the sides of the second chart (if needed) so that the 2 charts fit properly on top of each other.
In the legend of the chart, move the legend for the second chart over to the left.
Remove outlines on both of the charts
Select each chart, click on format and remove the outline.
This is what it will look like afterward.
Put the chart in a box
Add a rectangle around both charts.
Move the rectangle to the back of the chart.
Right-click on the rectangle.
This is what it should look like.
Group everything together
We group everything together so you can easily move the graph around.
Select every thing (the shape, the first graph and the second graph). You do this by selecting the shape, holding the ctrl key down and selecting the first graph and the second graph.
You should now be able to move the chart around with no issues.
Hope it helps!
You may also want to see: How to Insert Degree Symbol in Excel (Easy Ways).
Conclusion
Creating a third axis in an Excel graph can significantly enhance the clarity of complex data sets.
Whether you’re working with pivot charts, bubble charts, or cumulative frequency graphs, adding a third y-axis allows you to effectively compare different variables on different scales.
With AI-powered tools and integration of AI, future Excel charts will become even more advanced, making data visualization in spreadsheet applications simpler.
If you’re struggling with wrong charts or need a trusted data visualization tool, experimenting with ready-made multi-axis charts or Google Sheets can be helpful.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can transform a simple bar graph into a powerful tool for data analysis.
Happy charting!
You may also want to see: How to remove the first or last character in Excel.
Important: This post is for informational and educational purposes only. This post should not be taken as therapy advice, financial advice or used as a substitute for such. You should always speak to your own therapist or financial advisor before implementing this information on your own. Thank you!
