Combination (Bars and Lines) Charts

Combination charts represent the versatile powerhouses of data visualization, merging different chart types into a single, cohesive visual. These dynamic charts allow you to display related but different data series together—typically combining bars and lines—often utilizing dual y-axes to accommodate varying data scales.

Why Combination Charts Matter

When analyzing related metrics with different magnitudes or units, combination charts provide the perfect solution. Revenue in millions can share visual space with growth percentages in single digits. Temperature readings can be displayed alongside precipitation levels. Sales volume can be viewed against profit margins.

This dual-representation capability makes combination charts invaluable for:

Financial analysis: Display revenue bars alongside profit margin lines
Marketing performance: Visualize advertising spend bars with conversion rate lines
Production metrics: Show production volume bars with efficiency percentage lines
Sales tracking: Compare actual sales bars against target percentage lines

Implementing Effective Combination Charts

To create powerful combination charts:

Select complementary metrics: Choose related data series that tell a more complete story together
Assign appropriate chart types: Use bars for absolute values and lines for rates, percentages, or trends
Implement secondary axes: Add a right-side y-axis with appropriate scaling for line series
Apply clear visual differentiation: Ensure distinct colors and styles between chart types
Include comprehensive legends: Clarify which axis applies to each data series

By thoughtfully combining different visualization methods and scales, combination charts transform complex, multi-dimensional data relationships into intuitive visuals that reveal insights impossible to see in single-format charts.