SmartPlot

Dual Y Bar Chart

Dual Y bar result preview
Dual Y bar result

A dual Y bar chart compares categorical values when one or more series use a different scale or unit.

Prepare a directly mappable table

Use it for categorical groups with two or more numeric series, especially when one series would be unreadable on the same Y range.

Prepare one category column and at least two numeric value columns. Each value column can be assigned to Left Y or Right Y.

Practice data · illustrates column structure
monthrainfalltemperature
Jan428.1
Apr7616.4
Jul11828.7
Oct6418.2

Create a dual Y bar chart

Use the Dual Y bar chart mode when categories are shared but value columns belong to different scales. SmartPlot lets you assign each series to the left or right Y axis before creating the figure.

Step 1

Choose range and output

Confirm the data range, then choose a new figure or add the plot to an existing figure.

Dual Y Bar Chart setupInterface preview · non-interactive
MenuPlot → Dual Y Bar Chart
Data range

Full table: 4 rows, 3 columns

Output

New figure

Add to existing figure

Dual Y Bar Chart setupInterface preview · non-interactive
Category column
month · X
Value columns
rainfall, temperature · Y
Step 2

Map category and series

Map Category column, Value columns in order, making sure each selected column has the intended table role.

Step 3

Assign left and right Y axes

Set Orientation, rainfall, temperature for the table structure and confirm that the choices match the intended reading.

Dual Y Bar Chart setupInterface preview · non-interactive
Orientation
VerticalHorizontal
rainfall
Left Y axis
temperature
Right Y axis
Dual Y Bar Chart setupInterface preview · non-interactive
Both axis units are labelled
Legend matches axis sides
Data tableDual-scale practice data
Mapped columns2
Review mappings and options before creating
Step 4

Review and create

Check Both axis units are labelled, Legend matches axis sides, review the mapped-column count, then choose Create figure.

Settings and pre-export checks

  • Vertical or horizontal direction
  • Normal or grouped bars
  • Category column
  • Value columns
  • Left Y / Right Y assignment
  • Axis range and title
  • Use a dual axis only when the scales or units are genuinely different.
  • Label both axes clearly so readers know which series belongs to each side.
  • Avoid comparing bar heights directly across different Y axes.
  • When values share the same unit, a normal grouped bar chart is usually clearer.
  • Check horizontal layouts after plotting so axis titles, legends, and labels have enough room.
Continue to styling →