Need to graph 2 distinct date ranges on the same X-axis on a chart

[ard1601]

Hi,

First time posting here, hopefully someone can tell me if what I am looking to do is possible.

I have some data that I want to represent in 1 graph, but I was to show previous 6 weeks (by week) and also Jan - Dec on the same X-axis.

The y-axis is a simple % so would be common to both date ranges. I am led to believe this is not the best way to present the data from a visualisation POV, but my boss wants what my boss wants.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[MrShorty]

Difficult to give a specific answer without more detail. What chart type are you wanting to use? How is your data arranged in the spreadsheet?

I agree that it probably is not wise to put these two sets of data in the same chart. To appease your boss, I would expect to do something like:

1) 6 week data in spreadsheet arranged with week/date in a column and corresponding y value in an adjacent column.
2) Monthly data in spreadsheet arranged similarly month/date in a column and corresponding y value in an adjacent column.
3) Select either data set (6 week data, for example) and insert chart, expecting Excel to put the week/date along the horizontal axis and the y data on the vertical axis.
3a) If Excel does something unexpected, open up the select data dialog and fix the mistakes.
4) Select the other data (montly data, for example) -> Copy (ctrl-c) -> select chart -> paste special -> as new series with category x values in first column but do not replace existing categories.
5) Select the new data series -> format data series -> plot on secondary axis. Excel should show the secondary vertical axis. If desired, format the secondary vertical axis scale (max, min, major unit, minor unit) to match the primary axis scale.
6) Find the command to add chart elements and add the secondary horizontal axis.
7) Other formatting as desired.

That should be real close to my interpretation of what your boss is asking for.