How to show multiple series on charts in Google Sheets

Charts are a powerful way to visualise data in Google Sheets, turning numbers into insights. Following on from my previous post on charts, in this post, we’ll explore how to add more than one data series, work with dual axes for better comparisons, and format your charts for clarity.

How to show multiple series in a chart

Let’s start by creating a chart that compares two sets of data. For example, imagine you have sales data for two books and want to see the sales of both on the same chart.

1. Select the data range for both books, including headers and the months.

2. Click the chart icon to insert a chart.

3. Google Sheets will automatically create a meaningful chart showing the data for both books.

With a quick glance, you can see trends and patterns in your data, such as improving sales for both books in the last few months.

How to add a new series to a chart

Sometimes we want to add more sets of data to a chart that’s already been made and Sheets makes this easy to do. Let’s use the chart we’ve just created and add a third book.

1. Click on Edit the chart (if you have a chart on the sheet and not on a separate sheet, click on the 3-dot menu first.

2. In the Chart Editor, click Add series option under Setup.

3. Click the grid icon and select the range for your new data, including the header.

4. Confirm your selection, and the third book’s data will appear on the chart.

5. Update the chart title, if necessary.

Adding multiple series helps compare trends effectively, but remember to review your data’s scale for consistency.

How to create charts with two different scales

Sometimes, datasets have vastly different ranges—like book sales versus revenue. Using a single y-axis can make smaller values harder to read. Here’s how to add a second y-axis so they can be read separately. In this example, we have the book sales and the revenue per month.

1. Select all the data including the headers and create a chart.

2. In the Chart Editor, navigate to Customise > Series.

3. Click on “Apply to all series” and select the specific series (e.g., Revenue) you want on a separate axis.

4. Change the axis from “Left axis” to “Right axis.”

This setup lets you display both datasets clearly, even with different scales.

How to format series

Customising chart lines can show the different series clearly. Let’s edit the sales/revenue chart we just made.

1. With the Chart Editor open click on one of the series in the chart. Let’s start with the Sales line. This will open the Customise tab and the series section ready to make your edits.

2. Let’s adjust the line thickness, point size and style. Circle-shaped points at 10px size with a line thickness of 4px, for instance, make the monthly trends more noticeable.

3. For a polished look, choose contrasting formats for different series. For example, let’s change the same 3 options, but this time choose 14px diamonds.

Well-formatted charts make data easier to interpret, whether viewed digitally or printed in black and white.

Adding new series, utilising dual axes, and tweaking formats ensures your charts stand out and communicate data effectively. Dive into your own data and give these techniques a try!

Check out my video where I take a deeper look at this: