Skip to main content

Dual-Axis Chart Creation Guide

Overview​

A dual-axis chart (multi-Y-axis chart) allows you to display two or more different metrics within a single chart.

By using two independent Y-axes (primary axis and secondary axis), it helps address the following challenges:

  • Large differences in metric scale (e.g., sales amount vs. growth rate)
  • Different units of measurement (e.g., currency vs. percentage)

Therefore, dual-axis charts are ideal for simultaneously analyzing business scale and performance quality in one view.

Common use cases:

  • Monthly business reports: Use the primary axis to display absolute values such as [Sales Amount] and [Profit], and the secondary axis to track trends in [Gross Margin].
  • Business performance monitoring: Use the primary axis for [New Orders per Month] and the secondary axis for [Conversion Rate].

2. Example: Annual Sales and Profit Trend Analysis​

Using the Sales Order worksheet as an example, the goal is to monitor monthly Sales Amount, Profit, and corresponding Gross Margin trends within the current year.

Prerequisites: Check Your Data Structure

Before configuring the chart, ensure your worksheet includes the following key fields:

  • Time dimension: A date field (e.g., Sales Date) for the X-axis.

  • Metrics:

    • Structure A: The worksheet already contains separate fields for Sales Amount and Profit.
    • Structure B: The worksheet only contains sales and cost fields. In this case, it is recommended to use formula fields to calculate:
      • Profit (Sales Amount - Cost)
      • Gross Margin (Profit / Sales Amount)

Step 1: Filter Data​

Before configuring the chart, ensure the data range covers the intended comparison period.

  • Action: In the Data Source, add a filter condition: set Sales Date to This Year.

  • Key point: Filtering ensures the chart focuses on the overall annual trend and excludes outdated historical data.

Step 2: Define Analysis Dimensions​

After selecting a Dual-Axis Chart, configure the time axis and value axes.

  1. Set X-axis (Dimension): Select the Sales Date field.

    • Granularity: Set to Month.

  2. Set Primary Y-axis (Value): Add Sales Amount and Profit, both aggregated using Sum.

  3. Set Secondary Y-axis (Value): Add Gross Margin, aggregated using Average.

Step 3: Configure Advanced Features​

  1. Switch Between Column and Line Chart
    You can switch Y-axis metrics between column and line representations to better observe trends across multiple metrics.

  2. Customize Y-axis Scale
    In Style > Y-axis, you can manually set the maximum values for both the Primary Y-axis and Secondary Y-axis.

    • Tip: Increasing the maximum value of the secondary axis allows the gross margin line to “float” above the columns, avoiding visual overlap.

  3. Stack Mode
    When multiple metrics exist on the Y-axis, you can enable stacked column mode to analyze internal composition.

  4. Enable Cumulative Mode
    In the preview toolbar, select Cumulative.

    • Automatically accumulates data over time to display year-to-date progress (e.g., cumulative sales).

FAQ​

  • Q: Why does the gross margin line break in some months?

    • A: This usually occurs when there is no sales data for those months. In the value settings, set Empty Value Display to Show as 0 or Ignore to maintain line continuity.

  • Q: Can the secondary Y-axis be displayed as a column chart?

    • A: No. The secondary Y-axis is always displayed as a line to maintain clarity and avoid confusion with the primary axis columns.

  • Q: Can I view trends by quarter instead of by month?

    • A: Yes. In Step 2, change the X-axis granularity from Month to Quarter, and the chart will automatically re-aggregate the data.