How to combine sales and forecast data in Excel chart

First, let start by creating a bar chart to showcase actual vs targets in Excel.

Select your table then go to Insert and click the Column icon to create a bar chart. In this example, let choose the first 2D clustered column chart.

You now have a bar chart created by the system that looks like this.

Time to add a secondary axis to combine sales and forecast data in an efficient format!

Adding a secondary axis helps you selecting more easily elements in the chart.

Add a secondary axis in your chart by double-clicking a Sales bar: the Format Data Series window will appear.

Then select Secondary Axis and change the Gap Width for the Sales bars to be slightly thinner than the Forecast ones.

Customising charts can make your data easier to read and may impress your audience.

Choose the shape you want to use to make your data stand out then format it if needed. Change its colour, add shadow, etc.

If you don’t know how to change shapes in Excel column charts, click here to access our tutorial.

You created an Excel bar chart, added a secondary axis, customised the columns with a shape of your choice: you are ready for the next and final steps!

Now, let remove one of the axis to combine sales and forecast data in your chart.

To do so, click the axis you wish to delete ad press the delete key on your keyboard.

You may need to readjust the axis values like in this example. Indeed, some values in Sales and in Forecast are close and it’s difficult to differentiate them.

To do so, double-click the axis to open the Format Axis window.

Modify the axis bounds and units, delete the chart title (select it then press the delete key) and add the Sales values on the chart for clarity.

Check this Excel bar chart with sales and forecast data combined!