Create Dual-Axis Charts in LibreOffice Calc

A dual-axis combination chart in LibreOffice Calc allows you to plot two distinct data series with different scales or measurement units on a single chart, such as comparing total sales figures against profit margins. This guide provides a direct, step-by-step walkthrough for setting up your data, inserting a combination chart, and assigning a secondary Y-axis to clearly display your metrics.

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Organize your data into adjacent columns. The first column should contain your categories (such as months, dates, or product names), the second column should contain your primary metric, and the third column should contain your secondary metric.

Step 2: Insert a Combination Chart

  1. Highlight your entire data range, including the column headers.
  2. Go to the top menu and select Insert > Chart (or click the Insert Chart icon on the standard toolbar).
  3. In the Chart Wizard window under Choose a Chart Type, select Column and Line.
  4. Choose your preferred variant (such as Columns and Lines or Stacked Columns and Lines).
  5. Click Finish to place the initial chart on your sheet.

Step 3: Assign a Data Series to the Secondary Axis

  1. Double-click anywhere inside the chart to enter edit mode (indicated by a gray border around the chart).
  2. Right-click on the data series (the line or column) that you want to move to the secondary scale.
  3. Select Format Data Series from the context menu.
  4. Go to the Options tab.
  5. Under the Align Data Series to section, choose Secondary Y axis.
  6. Click OK.

Step 4: Adjust Chart Types per Series (Optional)

If you created a standard Column or Line chart instead of using the Column and Line preset: 1. Double-click the chart to enter edit mode. 2. Right-click the specific data series you want to change and select Format Data Series. 3. Under the Options tab, change the alignment to the secondary axis. 4. Right-click the series again, choose Chart Type, and select a different chart type (such as changing a column series into a line series) specifically for that selection.

Step 5: Format the Axes

  1. In edit mode, go to Insert > Axes to ensure the Secondary Y Axis checkbox is enabled.
  2. Right-click either the primary (left) or secondary (right) Y-axis and select Format Axis to customize minimum and maximum values, intervals, or number formatting like currency and percentages.