How to Create a Combination Chart

Combine bars and lines to compare across types.

Ensure your dataset includes:

One categorical variable (often time-based, like semester or grade level)
Two or more numeric values with different scales or metrics (e.g., average score + enrollment count)

Open the Advanced Chart Builder from a thread or Pin to launch the builder.

Set the Category field to define your horizontal axis (e.g., Term)
Add both Series fields that you want to visualize (e.g., Enrollment Count, Graduation Rate)
For each series, choose:
- Aggregation method (e.g., Sum, Average)
- Visualization type: Column, Line, Area, Grouped Column, or Stacked Column
- Y-axis assignment: Use the secondary Y-axis for a series with a different scale (e.g., count vs. percentage)

Filter your data to reduce clutter, increase readability, and focus the chart on the story.

Use the Customize tab to adjust the look of your chart:

Click Save when you’re ready to apply your changes, or Cancel to discard the changes.

Need some inspiration? Consider these examples where a Combination Chart may work well.

Show average GPA (line) alongside student enrollment (bar) over academic years.
Compare number of tutoring sessions (bar) to test score growth (line) across terms.
Visualize budget allocation (bar) with actual spending (line) by department.
Track attendance rate (line) vs. disciplinary incidents (bar) by month.
Monitor technology use (bar) with student satisfaction (line) across courses or grade levels.

Use when metrics are related but not necessarily on the same scale. Apply a secondary axis where needed.
Limit to just 2 or 3 data series to avoid clutter and confusion.
Choose contrasting chart types (e.g., line + bar) to visually distinguish the series.
Label each axis clearly and add a legend so viewers can quickly interpret what each element represents.
Ideal for storytelling where context between two data points strengthens the insight (e.g., investment vs. outcome).

Last updated 6 months ago

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