how to plot a graph in excel with 2 axes

Add the GDP growth column (fourth column) to the chart by right-clicking on the chart and clicking on select data and then adding a new data series. It can be done by changing the number format in the right-hand side formatting pane to yyyy.Ĥ. Change the format of the axis labels to show year only.

Use the quarterly observation date column (first column) as the horizontal axis, i.e., the axis label for the GDP. Select the GDP column (second column) and create a line chart.

Open the file in Excel, and get the quarterly GDP growth by dividing the first difference of quarterly GDP with the previous quarter’s GDP.ģ. Download the sample US quarterly GDP data here.Ģ. The next section will provide a step-by-step guide on how to recreate the exact chart.Īdding a Secondary Axis in Excel – Step-by-Step Guideġ.

The left-hand side vertical axis measures the GDP in levels, whereas the right-hand side vertical axis measures the growth in GDP. The chart below is made from US quarterly GDP data. We can either standardize the data, i.e., use an index for the data, or use a secondary axis. For example, it is impossible to compare aggregate GDP with the unemployment rate using the same scale. The feature is especially useful when we want to compare data series that are measured in different units or with different scales of comparison. A secondary vertical axis gives us more versatility with regards to data visualization and also provides us with the ability to plot multiple data series on the same chart.Ī secondary axis allows us to represent and visualize multiple data series without the need to use additional charts. The article below provides a step-by-step guide on how to add a secondary axis to charts in Microsoft Excel. Updated JanuHow to Add a Secondary Axis in Excel?

How to plot a graph in excel with 2 axes