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Displaying Y axis values on both sides of plot area

In order to display Y axis values on both sides of the plot area you need to add an additional data series and plot it on the secondary axis. Create a standard column chart based on the data in A1:B6
A B
1 Expenditure
2 Jan 56.3
3 Feb 22.3
4 Mar 46.4
5 Apr 92.7
6 May 15.5
Add an duplicate set of data to the chart. This can be done by either
  • Select the range B1:B6 and then drag & drop the data onto the chart
  • From the chart menu use Add Data.. and select the range B1:B6
  • Use the Source data dialog to add a series and then select the range B1:B6
The reason for using the same data twice is the automatic values used for the scales minimum, maximum, major and minor steps should be the same.
The second set of data is currently displayed next to the original data and is still using the same Y axis. Double click the original data series and change it so the data is plotted on the Secondary axis.
The only reason for moving the original data to the secondary axis is that the data on the secondary axis is plotted in front of the data on primary axis and it is likely that you might have already formatted the column in terms if fill pattern and borders. If you require a legend you will have to remove the duplicate data series.

Created 28th April 2012
Last updated 5th August 2014 


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