Introduction:

Excel graphs are a valuable tool for visualizing and comparing data sets. As useful as it is, sometimes the need arises to update your existing graph with a second set of data. It could be for comparing different timelines or analyzing multiple parameters simultaneously. Whatever the purpose, adding a second set of data to your Excel graph may seem challenging at first. However, in this article, we will explore three easy methods to accomplish this task.

Method 1: Edit Source Data

1. Open your Excel workbook and locate the graph you want to add your second set of data.

2. Right-click on the graph and select ‘Select Data.’

3. A ‘Select Data Source’ window will appear on the screen; on the left side, there is a list called ‘Legend Entries (Series).’

4. Click the ‘Add’ button located under the series list.

5. In the ‘Edit Series’ window, provide a name for the new data series in the ‘Series name’ field.

6. In the ‘Series values’ field, click in it and then click and drag over the cells containing your second set of data.

7. Click ‘OK’ on both the ‘Edit Series’ window and the ‘Select Data Source’ window.

Method 2: Drag Cells

1. Open your Excel workbook and locate your first set of data you plotted in your initial graph.

2. Click and drag over your second data set with your mouse. Make sure to select only numerical values similar to your first data set.

3. Next, drag and drop the selected cells onto your existing chart.

4. Your chart will now display both sets of data as two separate series

Method 3: Use COMBO Charts

1. Open your Excel workbook and create an initial single-series chart or use an existing one.

2. Select your graph and click on the ‘Chart Design’ tab at the top of the Excel toolbar.

3. Locate and click on the ‘Change Chart Type’ button in the ‘type’ section of the toolbar.

4. In the ‘Change Chart Type’ window, find and select ‘Combo’ from listed options on the left.

5. Here, you will see a list of chart series; choose options that best fit your requirements for each set of data.

6. Make sure to enable the secondary axis option for one of them to make your chart more readable.

7. Click ‘OK’ to apply changes.

Conclusion:

Adding a second set of data to an Excel graph is easy once you become familiar with these three useful methods. While each method suits differing scenarios, utilizing either one equips you with powerful data comparisons and visualizations that can better inform decision-making processes. Use these techniques to enhance your graphs and unlock deeper insights from your data.