How do I combine two data series in a chart in Numbers 3.2?

Question

Level 1

35 points

How do I combine two data series in a chart in Numbers 3.2?

In this new, prettier but much less functional, version of Numbers for Mac I am trying to chart two data series - a bar chart for the actual value and a line chart for the budget or target value. Both charts have the same values for the X axis so I want to overlay the values for comparison purposes.

But when I add the second data series Numbers creates an entirely new set of values on the X axis, so I have two separate charts in the same graph - making comparison impossible. Does anyone know if it possible to do what I want to do? If so, how?

Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.3), Final Cut Pro X, Motion

Posted on Aug 17, 2014 5:32 PM

Reply

Answer 1

ByronBound Author

Level 1

35 points

Aug 17, 2014 7:13 PM in response to Jerrold Green1

Hi Jerry

Thanks for the suggestion, but doesn't work for me... If I select the box which identifies the first column and drag the handle to include the second column, I get another complete set of columns with a new copy of the dates.

Stephen

Reply

Answer 2

Aug 17, 2014 6:57 PM in response to ByronBound

To add the Target line, select the chart and drag the chart data range handle in the table to the right to add the Target column as a series.

Jerry

Reply

Answer 3

Aug 17, 2014 9:51 PM in response to ByronBound

Byron,

For this to work, you need to be Plotting Columns as Series, not Rows as Series, with the data layed out as you have it.

Select the Chart and click on "Edit Data References"

Then choose "Plot Columns as Series" in the lower left corner of the window

Regards,

Jerry

Reply

Answer 4

ByronBound Author

Level 1

35 points

Aug 17, 2014 11:30 PM in response to Jerrold Green1

Hi Jerry

Yeah, that works, sort-of. I changed to "mixed" and it works - I just have to figure out what happened to my dates.

Its not really very intuitive, and the "manual" *****! Excel is actually much easier to use...

Thanks for your help - I am sure I will sort it our from here.

Stephen

Reply

Answer 5

Aug 18, 2014 6:13 AM in response to ByronBound

Byron,

I'm sorry that I wasn't able to help you, or to solve your question. Your latest complaints are so vague that I can't respond to them. I think that as you become accustomed to the Numbers way of creating tables and charts, it will seem natural. At this point you need to decide whether to go back to Excel where you are comfortable, or take the time to learn the ins and outs of Numbers.

Good luck,

Jerry

Reply