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Displaying insights into two different variables within data should never be a time-consuming affair. The number of charts you can use to visualize data is vast.
The odds of using the wrong charts to visualize complex data are high. The visualization design that we recommend you display two varying variables in a data set is a Double Line Graph.
The chart mentioned above can save you space and make your data visualization dashboard lean. In other words, it can perform a task usually done by two different charts.
It turns out you don’t have to do away with Google Sheets. You can supercharge it by installing a particular add-on to access a ready-to-use.
In this blog, you’ll learn the following:
We’ll also recommend installing the tested and proven add-on in your Google Sheets to access the ready-to-go Double Line Graph.
Definition: A Double Line Graph uses two axes to illustrate the relationships between two variables with different magnitudes and scales of measurement.
The relationship between two variables is referred to as correlation. A Multi-Axis graph in Excel, like a Double Line Graph, illustrates plenty of information using limited space. This means you can uncover hidden insights, such as trends and patterns, easily.
Charts with a secondary axis can help you emphasize the key data points within categories. More so, you can make comparisons between categories using a highly contrasting color scheme.
If you want to use limited space in your data visualization dashboard, your go-to visualization design should be a Dual Line Graph.
Take a look at the table below.
| Years | No. Travel Agents | Online Hotel Revenue |
| 2015 | 50 | 50,000 |
| 2016 | 60 | 45,000 |
| 2017 | 75 | 80,000 |
| 2018 | 85 | 74,000 |
| 2019 | 42 | 33,000 |
| 2020 | 74 | 96,000 |
| 2021 | 96 | 55,000 |
Can you provide a coherent story of what’s going on?
Note the difference after visualizing the data using a Line graph with multiple lines in Google Sheets. You can easily see the relationship between online hotel revenue and the number of travel agents.
For instance, between 2015 and 2020, the number of agents and revenue generated was directly proportional. However, in 2020, the relationship turned inverse, probably due to Coronavirus and travel restrictions.
The Double Line Graph is a visualization design that displays information using two distinct straight lines and a secondary axis. You can use the chart to display the trends and patterns of key variables in your data.
Use continuous and categorical data to get the most from the visual Chart. In others, the recommended dimension to use is time (years, months, weeks, or days).
Double line graphs only make sense when there’s a meaningful relationship between key data points.
How to create Double Line Graphs should never be a time-intensive affair for you. Keep reading to discover more.
When the Double Line Graph is missing certain data points, gaps in the record may be interpreted as phantom values. Ensure your data is clear of gaps and errors that may distort the interpretation of the chart.
In a standard Double-line graph, each point is connected to the next with a straight-line segment. However, there may be the aesthetic temptation to link all of the points smoothly, fitting a curve that goes through all of the points at once. This may distort the insights displayed by the visualization design.
A double line graph compares two related variables on a single Y-axis, while a multi-axis line graph visualizes multiple datasets with separate Y-axes, allowing for comparisons between variables with different scales or units.
Google Sheets is one of the go-to data visualization tools for businesses and professionals. However, this freemium spreadsheet tool does not natively support Multi-Axis Line Graphs or Dual Axis Charts.
Well, you don’t have to do away with the spreadsheet app.
You can turn Google Sheets into a reliable data visualization tool loaded with ready-made and visually stunning double-line charts by installing ChartExpo.
In the coming section, you’ll learn how to visualize your data using a Multi-Axis Line Chart in ChartExpo.
This section will use the Double Line Graph to display insights into the table below.
Let’s get started.
| Hour of Day | Ice Cream | Coffee |
| 0 | 22.23 | 9.1 |
| 1 | 19.87 | 22 |
| 2 | 18.22 | 7.6 |
| 3 | 27.67 | 7.3 |
| 4 | 22.7 | 8.5 |
| 5 | 15.76 | 8.4 |
| 6 | 16.85 | 19 |
| 7 | 17.54 | 9.2 |
| 8 | 16.14 | 8.6 |
| 9 | 16.33 | 8.7 |
| 10 | 16.43 | 8.9 |
| 11 | 16.34 | 8.5 |
| 12 | 16.21 | 8.7 |
| 13 | 16.52 | 8.9 |
| 14 | 16.42 | 8.9 |
| 15 | 16.17 | 16 |
| 16 | 15.57 | 8.6 |
| 17 | 16.48 | 9 |
| 18 | 16.34 | 8.8 |
| 19 | 14.99 | 8.9 |
| 20 | 17.26 | 9.8 |
| 21 | 13.67 | 15 |
| 22 | 12.32 | 9.3 |
| 23 | 11.28 | 8.6 |
Install the ChartExpo add-on for Google Sheets from the link and then follow the simple and easy steps below.
An example of a Double Line Graph could be a comparison of monthly sales figures for two different products over a year.
The graph would have two lines, each representing the sales trend of a specific product, plotted against the months on the x-axis and the sales amounts on the y-axis. This type of graph allows viewers to easily compare the sales performance of the two products over time.
Use charts with double axes, such as the Double Line Graph, if your goal is to display insights into data with multiple metrics.
The visualization design uses its expansive space and minimalist design to display more information without clutter and obscuring key insights.
Displaying insights into two different variables within data should never throw a curveball at you.
The number of charts you can use to visualize data is vast. However, the odds of using the wrong charts to visualize complex data are high. The visualization design that we recommend you display two varying variables in a data set is a Double Line Chart or Double Line Graph.
Why?
The visualization design can save you space and make your data visualization dashboard lean. In other words, it can perform a task normally done by two distinct charts.
We recommend you think beyond Google Sheets if you want to access ready-made Double Line Graphs.
Why?
Google Sheets’s library lacks double-line chart templates. We’re not recommending you do away with Google Sheets. Download and install third-party apps, such as ChartExpo, into your Google Sheets to access ready-to-go charts.
ChartExpo is an add-in you can easily download and install in your Google Sheets app. Besides, this tool comes loaded with insightful and ready-made Double Line Graphs.
You don’t need programming or coding skills to visualize your data using ChartExpo.
As we said, how to create a Double Line Graph should never be among your worries in data storytelling. We hope we’ve delivered value on how you can alleviate the problem (above).
Sign up for a 7-day free trial today to access easy-to-interpret and visually appealing charts.
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