What is a dual axis chart?
A dual axis chart (or a combo chart) combines two measures with different scales onto a single chart, using two Y axes – one on each side. It lets you compare data at a glance across variables with different units or scales, such as revenue and growth rate, on the same timeline.
With Flourish, you can build dual axis charts in minutes, no coding needed. Choose from line, area, or column combinations, customize colors and labels, and add interactivity to make complex comparisons clear and engaging.
USE CASES
See connections across metrics with dual axis charts
Highlight relationships that single axis charts can’t reveal
Track metric performance
Compare related metrics with different units to spot trends and changes at a glance.
Explore patterns and relationships
Combine variables on one chart to see how they move together or diverge.
Analyze impact across metrics
Reveal how one measure influences another by comparing them side by side.
FEATURES
Everything you need to create dual axis charts
Powerful features that make data visualization easy and beautiful
No coding required
Build dual axis charts in minutes – without writing a single line of code.
Interactive elements
Add tooltips, colored legends and filters so teams can explore details easily.
Responsive design
Charts adapt automatically to any screen size, from desktop to mobile.
Switch chart types
Move between dual axis, line, area, or column charts with a single click.
Flourish stories
Guide your audience step by step by embedding your chart into a Flourish story.
Column + line
Compare an amount (columns) against a rate or trend (line) over time.
Line + line
Plot two variables together to highlight correlations or differences.
Line + area
Show overall totals (areas) and compare them clearly to a rate or trend (line).
RESOURCES
Data visualization resources
Tips, guides, and resources to make your online dual axis charts even more effective
Dual axis charts – an overview
A step-by-step overview of how to get started with dual axis charts
Learn more →
Dual axis do's and don'ts
Learn the pros and cons of dual axis charts and how to master them
Learn more →
Frequently asked questions
Dual axis charts (also called combo charts) let you plot two different variables on the same chart by using two Y-axes. Both datasets share the same X-axis (like time or categories), but each one has its own scale on the left and right. This makes it easier to compare metrics with different units — for example, revenue in dollars on one axis and conversion rate as a percentage on the other.
Dual axis charts work best when comparing two related variables with different scales – like revenue and profit margin, or temperature and rainfall, where both trends matter but direct comparison requires separate scales.
Yes, dual axis charts can be confusing if not used carefully. To keep them clear, only compare variables that are genuinely related and avoid using scales that differ too much. Always label both axes, use distinct colors, and make sure the relationship you’re showing is meaningful. In some cases, two simpler charts might communicate your point more effectively. Read more on our blog.
Flourish makes it simple to create dual axis charts without coding. You can combine lines, areas, or columns on a single chart, customize both axes for clarity, and add labels, colors, and interactive popups. With smooth animations, responsive design, and the option to embed charts in stories or presentations, your comparisons look polished and work beautifully on any screen.
Flourish offers a free plan that’s perfect for exploring interactive data storytelling. You’ll get access to the full range of visualization types available in Flourish (including combo charts), unlimited projects, full privacy for your unpublished work, plus helpful support resources.
If you’re an individual creating presentations and reports, our Presenter plan might be the right fit. It includes access to the Flourish app within Canva, along with image and SVG export options for your visualizations.
And if you’re ready to create fully branded visuals without attribution, collaborate across teams, connect your systems via API, and unlock advanced storytelling features like scrollytelling, our premium plans are designed for you. Reach out to our team to find the best option for your business.
