# How to Create a Combination Chart

### How to create a Combination Chart in the Advanced Chart Builder

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Start with the right data

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)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Open the Advanced Chart Builder

Open the [Advanced Chart Builder](https://support.doowii.io/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/getting-started-with-the-advanced-chart-builder) from a thread or Pin to launch the builder.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Open the Chart tab

* Select the Combination Chart.
* Review the live preview of your chart. 
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Go to the Setup tab

* 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)
    {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Apply Data Filters

[Filter your data](https://support.doowii.io/top-resources/create-a-chart-with-the-advanced-chart-builder#how-to-apply-filters) to reduce clutter, increase readability, and focus the chart on the story. 
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Customize the Chart (Optional)

[Use the Customize tab](https://support.doowii.io/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/customize-your-chart) to adjust the look of your chart:

* Add axis titles and chart labels
* Adjust colors, axis lines, labels, and tooltips
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Save the Chart

Click Save when you’re ready to [apply your changes](https://support.doowii.io/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/saving-or-canceling-your-chart-edits), or Cancel to discard the changes. 
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Combination Chart Use Cases

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.

### Combination Chart Tips and Best Practices

* 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).