Dual-Axis Charts in Tableau

• Unlock the potential of data analysis with dual-axis charts in Tableau, an effective tool for comparing different datasets with shared axes. Learn how to create custom charts, blend measures, and even extend the use of dual-axis charts to layered maps

What is dual-axis chart ? How to create dual axes in Tableau ?

• A dual-axis chart is a chart representing two sets of data overlaid on top of one another, in which the resulting chart will have a shared axis. For example, you might have an X-axis for date(months) values, and two separate Y-axis representing separate measures, sales, and profit on each side of your chart. This allows you to compare profit and sales figures over a period. In dual-axis you can format your chart with separate marks card for each axis. In our example, we are representing sales figures using a bar chart while line chart for profit.

• The first step in creating dual-axis charts is to make a graph for one of your measures. You then drag your second measure onto your row shelf. Tableau will generate a second graph which is technically a dual-axis chart at this point. But not a dual-axis combination chart.

• Synchronizing axis

You will need to decide whether or not the two axes should be synchronized. If the unit of measure is the same for both measures, right-click on the right axis and select Synchronize Axis. This aligns the scale of the secondary axis to the scale of the first axis. In our example, the Profit axis is the secondary axis and the Sales axis is the primary axis.

You can also hide one of the axes and display the values on the graph area, or change the order of your fields in the row shelf to alternate which field to represent the primary and secondary axis.

• Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a dual-axis chart in Tableau that effectively displays and compares two measures. Keep in mind that dual axes are most useful when the measures being compared have different scales, as it allows for a more accurate and meaningful representation of the data.