Trendline in a stacked graph

**seash** · 09-26-2016, 11:44 AM

Hi,

I have been asked to add a trendline for the total number of twitter feeds to a graph.

It has a number of sources for the feeds, split by the service that the feed is related to.

Obviously with this type of graph the 'trendline' option is grayed out. But I have acheived similar results before.

I have added the totals in a standard bar chart to a secondary axis, and I was able to add a trendline, then made the fill and outline to make this data invisible.

However as soon I change the chart type back the trendline disappears, and my total data ends up back in the primary axis stacked on top of the rest of the split data, in turn doubling the values.

Hope this makes sense.

Can anyone help?

Thanks
seash

**Glenn Kennedy** · 09-26-2016, 12:10 PM

Will you please attach a sample Excel workbook? Please don't attach a picture of one.

1. Make sure that your sample data are REPRESENTATIVE of your real data. The use of unrepresentative data is very frustrating and can lead to long delays in reaching a solution.

2. Make sure that your desired solution is also shown (mock up the results manually).

3. Make sure that all confidential information is removed first!!

4. Try to avoid using merged cells. They cause lots of problems!

Unfortunately the attachment icon doesn't work at the moment. So, to attach an Excel file you have to do the following: Just before posting, scroll down to Go Advanced and then scroll down to Manage Attachments. Now follow the instructions at the top of that screen.

Also, it would be helpful if you were to amend your profile so that we can see what Excel version you are using (to avoid compatability problems) and what part of the world you are located in (to avoid problems with regional settings).

**Andy Pope** · 09-27-2016, 03:27 AM

Why are you changing the chart type back? The steps you describe are the work around to having trend line on stacked chart.

**seash** · 09-27-2016, 07:44 AM

Hi Andy Pope,

This is because the user wants the data in a stacked format, so after having the bar chart and being able to set a trendline for the total, I then need to change back. I have used directions from another site but feel I may be missing something along the way?

Thanks
seash

**Andy Pope** · 09-27-2016, 08:01 AM

But you can not change it back. Doing so will remove the trend line.

Formatting the series so it is not displayed is as far as you can go.

**seash** · 09-27-2016, 08:03 AM

Thats what I thought too, its just the user is used to seeing the stacked format.

**Andy Pope** · 09-27-2016, 08:13 AM

You have to retain the total value series on the secondary axis as cluster column chart in order to have a trendline.

Or you could use a Line series on the primary.