Combo charts use both axes to show a comparison between different KPIs. They work in a similar way to Column charts except with the option to configure how to display individual metrics (Line and Pub/Bar). The right axis is often used If a data set is significantly smaller than the rest of the KPIs.

1. Combo Chart: Double Axis

Combo Chart: Double Axis in Google Data Studio
Combo Chart: Double Axis in Google Data Studio
  • In this chart, we display Users and Revenue per User by weekday. Data is aggregated by weekday for the selected time period.

  • Adding an average reference will provide additional information about what to look for during analysis. For example, in the above chart, we can analyze “Why is Thursday’s average Revenue 71% higher than the rest of the week?"

Recommended: Yes

  • Unless X-Axis is a date, keep the number of pubs/bars to a max of 15.

  • Always use a double Axis configuration if one of your data sets is significantly smaller than the rest of the KPIs. Display smaller value metrics on the right Axis.

2. Combo Chart: Single Axis

Combo Chart: Single Axis in Google Data Studio
Combo Chart: Single Axis in Google Data Studio
  • In this chart, we display Users and Revenue per User by weekday. Data is aggregated by weekday for the selected time period.

Recommended: Yes

  • Unless X-Axis is a date, keep the number of pubs/bars to a max of 15.

  • A Single Axis configuration works well if the metrics you are comparing have at least a 3-5% difference. In the next example, we will use a Single Axis configuration for the Stacked Combo chart to see how it compares

3. Stacked Combo Chart: Single Axis

Stacked Combo Chart: Single Axis in Google Data Studio
Stacked Combo Chart: Single Axis in Google Data Studio
  • In this chart, we are comparing Users, Returning Users and Revenue per User against the total. The Revenue per User line is a straight line on the bottom of X-Axis. This is why you should always use a double Axis configuration when one of the metrics you are comparing is significantly smaller than the rest of the metrics.

Recommended: No

  • A Single Axis configuration works well if the metrics you are comparing have a difference of at least 3-5%.

4. Stacked Combo Chart: Dual Axis

Stacked Combo Chart: Dual Axis in Google Data Studio
Stacked Combo Chart: Dual Axis in Google Data Studio
  • In this chart, we are comparing Users and New Users Revenue per User against the total. In the double Axis configuration, we can also see the trend for the smaller data series. This is why you should always use a dual Axis configuration if one of the metrics you are comparing is significantly smaller than the rest of the set.

Recommended: Yes

  • A Double Axis configuration works well If one of the metrics you are comparing is significantly smaller than the rest of the set.

  • Unless X-Axis is a date, keep the number of pubs/bars to a max of 15.

Enjoy reading the guide? I have explained every chart available in the new Data Studio Book here. Visual explanations for graphs configurations, style, format, and recommendations. So you can also see how the final result will look and why one design is better than others for the same chart.