Multiple y-axis and combo charts

Visualizations in Sigma

Mandy Gray

Solutions and Enablement Lead, Aimpoint Digital

Compare multiple data columns

 

• Compare two or more columns in one chart
• Examples:
  • revenue vs profit
  • customers served vs calls received
• Question: do calls and customers increase proportionately?

Compare multiple data columns

• Columns must share an x-axis to compare
• Example: calls received and customers served

 

Compare multiple data columns

• Columns must share an x-axis to compare
• Example: calls received and customers served
• Use a common column like [Call Date] for x-axis

 

Y-axis needed for interpretation

• Need y-axis to interpret both columns
• Challenge: data points with different scales
  • revenue and profit
• Challenge: data points with different units
  • calls and customers

Format y-axis accordingly

• Understand units and scale before choosing chart type
• Format y-axis based on data characteristics
• Same units (e.g., calls received and calls escalated) can share one y-axis

Different scales need separate y-axes

• Different scales require separate y-axes
• Use a second axis for smaller-scale data (e.g., escalated calls)
• Apply different colors and labels

Different units require two y-axes

• Different units require separate y-axes
• Move one data column to a second y-axis
• Prevents misinterpretation of values

Combo charts

• Most Sigma charts with y-axis support multiple fields
• Combo charts mix line, bar, area, or points on one chart

Combo charts

• Combo charts suit time-based data
  • Combine bars and lines
• Enhance insight without clutter

Combo charts

• Not all data fits shared y-axis or combo charts
• Consider use case and audience carefully
• Shared axis charts may confuse some users

Let's practice!

Visualizations in Sigma