Overlapping Data with Secondary Axis

Question

I have two columns of data in an Excel 2016 spreadsheet. I created a clustered bar chart. I then tried to put one data series on the secondary axis but the data now overlaps. Is there a way to get around this? This was not an issue for any of the other Excel versions that I have worked with.

Answer 1

It is time MS fixed this - it has been known for months

Here is a work around.

Looking at my snip: I started with three columns A, B C with the data to be charted

I inserted a new B and C column; in B2 entered =D2 , in C2= E2 and copied the formulas down the columns. Note the odd column titles!

Made a cluster chart of the three data series

Formatted the dummy1 data series to use a secondary axis - Chart 1

Formatted the dummy1 data and the dummy2 data to have no fill and no border data columns to have no fill and no border - Chart 2

Deleted the dummy1 and dummy2 legends at the bottom - Chart 3

Note that the real data is in the two dummy columns

Some formatting might help hide the big gaps between the categories

best wishes

Answer 2

Hi Ron,

It turns out that this issue with Cluster chart only occurs when using two columns of data. We highly recommend that you report this issue by following the steps here: How do I give feedback on Microsoft Office?. When you submit a feedback item, we gather additional details and information about your issue that will help figure out what’s causing it and address it. Submitted entries are being reviewed regularly by our software engineers and including them in product development discussions.

If you have other questions, let us know.

Answer 3

Thank you, Ramon. I have left feedback using the method that you suggested.

Answer 4

Thank you, Bernard. I used a similar work-around with dummy columns of data and then deleting the labels for them. I will have to work on the formatting some. I appreciate you stopping by and offering this solution.