How to Create a Combo Chart in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step)

It’s no secret that Google Sheets excels at data storage. But did you know that it also provides a seamless way to visualize your data using charts and graphs? These visual representations make it easy to understand complex information at a glance.

In this tutorial, we will dive into the world of combo charts. Combo charts are a powerful tool that combines multiple data points from different chart types to present a clear and meaningful message. By merging line charts with column charts, you can effectively showcase both trends and values in your data.

What is a Google Sheets Combo Chart?

A combo chart is a unique type of chart that provides a visually logical and meaningful representation of multiple data points. Let’s say you have a dataset where you want to showcase the rate of increase or decrease (using a line chart) and the actual values (using a column chart). By combining these two charts, you can create a compelling story.

How to Create a Combo Chart in Google Sheets

Creating a combo chart in Google Sheets is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Select the data set you want to use for your chart by clicking and dragging over the required portion of the data set.
2. In the top-right corner of the toolbar, click on the Chart button. Alternatively, you can go to the Insert tab in the menu and choose the chart option.
3. In the Chart type, select “Combo Chart.”

Understanding the Combo Chart

Before diving into editing and customizing the combo chart, it’s essential to understand its components. Let’s take a quick look at what each section represents:

• Title
• Legend
• Vertical Axis
• Data Series
• Horizontal Axis
• Axis Title

How to Edit Your Combo Chart

To edit any element of your combo chart, follow these steps:

1. Select the chart.
2. Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the chart.
3. Choose “Edit Chart.”

The subsequent steps will depend on the specific section you wish to edit.

How to Edit the Data in a Combo Chart

When you open the Chart Editor, you’ll see it on the right side of the screen. Select the Setup tab at the top of the editor to change the data and its communication with the combo chart.

In the Setup tab, you can:

• Adjust the Stacking to see percentages related to the data,
• Modify the Data range used for the chart,
• Edit the X-axis by changing the range and label.

You can also use the Aggregate Check Box to aggregate data options for the data series.

How to Edit the Appearance of a Combo Chart

To customize the appearance of your combo chart, follow these steps:

1. Open the Chart Editor and select the Customize tab.
2. Here, you can customize various elements of the chart’s appearance, such as the background, font, and border.

In the Customize tab, you can:

• Edit the Chart style to change the overall chart elements,
• Adjust Chart & axis titles, Series, Legend, Horizontal Axis, Vertical Axis, and Gridlines and ticks to fine-tune the chart’s visual details.

Conclusion

Building a combo chart in Google Sheets is a straightforward process that can elevate your data analysis game. By following just a few clicks, you can transform a simple data set into an impactful combo chart. And once you’ve created the chart, editing and customizing it becomes a fun and exciting endeavor. Remember, a visually appealing chart is more likely to effectively convey your intended message. I hope this step-by-step guide has helped you on your journey with Google Sheets.

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