{"id":22158,"date":"2023-11-16T09:44:02","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T09:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/?p=22158"},"modified":"2026-04-09T21:54:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T16:54:24","slug":"how-to-overlay-graphs-in-excel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/how-to-overlay-graphs-in-excel","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Overlay Graphs in Excel?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Excel offers a good selection of charts and graphs. But you may have a situation outside the norm.<\/p>\n

\"how<\/a><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

For instance, you may need to visualize two sets of varying data for insights. Let’s say actual versus forecast revenue.<\/p>\n

In this scenario, what’s the go-to chart for the graph?<\/em><\/p>\n

You need Overlay Graphs in Excel for the task. These charts are also called Combination Graphs or Combo Charts<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Excel does not have ready-made and visually stunning Overlay Graphs for your analysis.<\/p>\n

So, what’s the solution?<\/em><\/p>\n

Download and install a particular third-party application (add-in) if your goal is to get ready-to-use and visually stunning Overlay Graphs.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to discover more about this add-in.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this blog, you’ll learn:<\/p>\n

Table of Content:<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. What is Overlapping Data in Excel?<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Video Tutorial: How to Display Overlapping Data in Excel?<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. What is an Overlay Graph in Excel?<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Types of Overlapping Charts in Excel<\/a>\n
      \n
    1. Dual Axis Line Chart<\/a><\/li>\n
    2. Dual Axis Bar and Line Chart<\/a><\/li>\n
    3. Multi-Axis Line Chart<\/a><\/li>\n
    4. Overlapping Bar Chart<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
    5. How to Overlay Graph in Excel:(Step By Step)<\/a><\/li>\n
    6. FAQs About Overlay Chart in Excel<\/a><\/li>\n
    7. Wrap Up<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Before jumping into the how-to guide, we’ll address the following question:<\/p>\n

      What is Overlapping Data in Excel?<\/h2>\n

      Definition<\/strong>: Overlapping Data refers to the situation where data of 2 or more variables overlap with each other. Sometimes we want to compare the data of 2 variables using a Bar Chart<\/a> that overlaps bars of both variables instead of displaying them side by side.<\/p>\n

      An Overlapping Bar chart is best suited to comparing two distinct variables. An Overlapping Bar Chart in Excel is more valuable than a Stacked Bar Chart<\/a>, especially if your goal is to display comparison insights.<\/p>\n

      \"How<\/a><\/div>\n

      The visualization design is similar to a standard Stacked Bar Chart. However, unlike a Stacked Diagram, its composite variables that contribute to the whole start at the baseline.<\/p>\n

      Besides, the chart requires three data columns or rows from your data set\u201d\u201done for categories, one for the series in each category, and one for values. Different types of data call for different types of charts.<\/p>\n

      While overlapping graphs are suitable for visualizing data overlaps, when it comes to showcasing both positive and negative aspects of data, a Stacked waterfall chart in Excel is the ideal choice, and vice versa<\/p>\n

      The chart is more valuable than the Grouped Bar Chart because it uses color strategically to display comparison insights<\/a>. More so, you can leverage the chart to display insights into current progress against the benchmark.<\/p>\n

      Video Tutorial: How to Display Overlapping Data in Excel?<\/h2>\n

      In the following video, you will learn How to Display Overlapping Data in Excel.<\/p>\n