Categories
A Combination Chart is a must-have tool in a professional’s arsenal that frequently works with data.
Why?
Combo Charts in Google Sheets can help you save a lot of space in your dashboard. This is because it lets you display insights into two different metrics in a single view.
Here’s an interesting fact.
Combination Graphs perform the job of two diagrams. Your dashboard does not have to appear crowded with many charts. You can use this visualization design to save space.
You cannot find a ready-made Combination Graph in Google Sheets. This is because the tool comes with raw and basic charts that need more editing time.
You don’t have to do away with Google Sheets for other expensive tools. You can supercharge it by installing third-party add-ons to access Google Sheets Combo Chart templates.
In this blog, you’ll learn the following:
A Combo Chart is a cross-breed of a column and line graphs. It can also combine two Line or Column Charts within a single diagram.
In other words, it’s a hybrid of two or more types of charts and graphs, such as the double-axis line and Bar Chart. You can easily display your data insights using multiple chart types in a single view.
You needed two datasets with a common string field, such as time, to generate a Combo Chart.
This visualization design provides you with a flexible way of displaying data. Besides, it forms the basis of other advanced charts, such as the Pareto or 80/20 visualization.
You can use a combination of bars and lines in the same chart to compare varying variables in a data set.
For example, if you work in sales, you can use Google Sheets Combo Charts to compare sales versus net revenue in a given period.
The Combo chart is a must-have tool for sales departments because it can convey insights into sales revenue versus targets in a given financial year.
Use Combo Visualization if your goal is to validate the correlation between metrics in your data.
For instance, if you’re a digital marketer, you can use Combination Graphs to validate the correlation between click through rate (CTR) and conversion.
To read and interpret a Combo Visualization Design, follow the easy steps below:
To understand this chart, you’ve got to know the critical metrics on display and the context. For instance, in sales, you have to know how particular metrics connect to the strategic goals of your business (or workplace).
Check the bars and lines in the Combo Graph to understand the overall pattern. Take note of high and low points.
Also, don’t forget to look at isolated occurrences that may distort the insights.
An outlier is an observation outside the trend or pattern within your data. Outliers can mislead the decision-making because they’re one-off occurrences.
It’s incredibly easy to spot outliers in your data. Imagine sales in your business or workplace have been on an uptrend pattern in the last three financial years. However, in one month, it declines by 70% before resuming the trend.
Would you call a crisis meeting because of the outlier (above)?
Below are the components you need to create a Combination Visualization Chart.
Data is the most significant component of this data visualization design. Before you generate a Combo Chart, gather enough sample data.
Also, to get the most from this chart, use data with varying metrics of interest.
You need an intuitive tool with ready-made charts to succeed in your mission. There are a ton of tools you can use to visualize your data using Combination Chart templates.
Keep reading because, in the next section, we’ll recommend the best tool to use to visualize your data using Google Sheets Combo Charts.
Label your chart adequately but not excessively to provide your audience with the context of your data story.
You can add legends and a title to help your audience understand your findings. A title provides your chart with an identity.
We acknowledge that Google Sheets is one of the most-used data visualization tools by professionals and businesses worldwide. Besides, the spreadsheet app has been there for years, plus it’s familiar to many.
However, this does not mean you should settle for less.
In other words, if your goal is to create insightful and easy-to-interpret charts, you’ve got to think beyond the basic Combination Diagrams in Google Sheets.
To access insightful and visually appealing Combination Charts in Google Sheets, install third-party apps (add-ons).
There are thousands of add-ons created purposely for Google Sheets. To save you time, we’ve tested hundreds and narrowed them down to one.
ChartExpo ticks all the boxes for the following:
If you aim to create a lean visualization dashboard and extract insights into two different variables in your data, your go-to chart maker should be ChartExpo.
In the coming section, you’ll learn how to install ChartExpo add-in to access advanced Google Sheets Combo Charts.
Let’s visualize the data below using one of the many Combination Charts in ChartExpo (Double Axis Line and Bar Chart)
| Months | Revenue | Profit Margin |
| Jan | 5,000 | 5 |
| Feb | 2,500 | 10 |
| Mar | 3,600 | 7 |
| Apr | 3,250 | 14 |
| May | 1,975 | 19 |
| Jun | 1,874 | 20 |
| Jul | 3,952 | 6 |
| Aug | 2,222 | 9 |
| Sep | 4,260 | 4 |
| Oct | 3,300 | 22 |
| Nov | 1,500 | 17 |
| Dec | 1,160 | 9 |
Decide whether to use Bars or Columns, but not both.
Note the difference between the two: Bar Charts are oriented horizontally. Conversely, Column Graphs are shaped vertically. Your target audience should influence your choice. Essentially, you should research their preferences before making a choice.
Use contrasting colors to display the two y-axes within your chart. Remember to include a legend to help your audience (or readers) understand the context of the data story.
As a visual data storyteller, you’ll be tempted to include much information in your Google Sheets Combo Chart. But remember, clutter can be the roadblock between you and the buy-in you’re looking for.
Too much information can obscure the key insights you intend your audience to take home.
Yes, you can create a Combo Chart using pivot table data. First, create the pivot table, then select the pivot table range and insert a Combo Chart.
Yes, you can create stacked bars and lines in a Combo Chart by setting one series to a stacked bar and another to a line.
Filter the data range to include only the most recent data points, or use a dynamic range that updates based on the most recent entries.
Visualizing complex data with varying metrics should never be a nerve-wracking or time-consuming affair. Yes, you read that right.
It turns out there’s a visualization design called Google Sheets Combo Chart that’s best suited for the job (above). Why?
The Combination Graph can help you save a ton of space in your dashboard by displaying varying variables in your data within a single chart.
We recommend you avoid over-relying on Google Sheets, especially if your goal is to create simple-to-interpret charts.
Why?
Google Sheets Combo Charts are very basic and require a lot of effort and time to edit. But we’re not recommending you to do away with the freemium spreadsheet application.
We recommend installing third-party applications (add-ons), such as ChartExpo, into your Google Sheets to access advanced Combo Charts.
ChartExpo is an add-on you can easily download and install in your Google Sheets. Besides, this tool comes loaded with insightful and easy-to-interpret Combination Charts, plus over 50 more advanced charts.
You don’t need programming or coding skills to visualize your data with the ChartExpo add-on.
Sign up for a 7-day free trial today to access easy-to-interpret and visually appealing Combo Visualization Designs.
How much did you enjoy this article?
We will help your ad reach the right person, at the right time
Actionable insights discovered for you. Now you can do more in less time.
PPCexpo Keyword Planner will help you align your keywords with the customers’ intent.
Frequent audits will help you optimize your PPC campaign for success.
Visualizations give you the ability to instantly grasp the insights hidden in your numbers.
Experience the new revolution in reporting … click your way to insights, don’t scroll.
Calculate the number of combinations in your PPC campaign. It may surprise you.
Related articles
What is causal analysis? It's a method to find the root cause of problems. This blog explains the types, methods, and steps for causal analysis.
This blog explains ABM, its benefits, and types. You’ll learn how to create and implement an ABM strategy to improve ROI and build strong client relationships.
Learn how to make a table in Google Sheets with easy-to-follow steps. This guide covers everything from using pre-built templates to customizing your table.
