There are two main ways to combine charts in Excel for a more comprehensive data view:

1. Chart Types:

- Combo Charts: This is the most common method. Excel allows you to create a combo chart that combines two or more different chart types on the same chart area. For instance, you can combine a column chart showing sales figures with a line chart representing the sales target.

2. Chart Layouts:

- Charting Tools: Excel offers various chart layout options that allow you to position multiple charts on the same sheet but in separate chart areas.

Here's a breakdown of both methods:

Combining Charts with Chart Types (Combo Charts):

1. Select your data: Highlight the data range you want to visualize in the combined chart.
2. Insert a Chart: Go to the "Insert" tab and navigate to the "Charts" group. Click on the "Recommended Charts" button or the dropdown menu to choose a chart type.
3. Choose a Combo Chart: In the "Insert Chart" window, under the "All Charts" tab, select a combo chart option. Excel offers various combinations like "Clustered Column - Line" or "Stacked Column - Line." These options will display your data using the chosen chart types within a single chart area.
4. Customize Chart Elements: After creating the combo chart, you can customize the chart elements (axes, labels, legend) to improve clarity and visual presentation. Right-click on any chart element to access formatting options.

Combining Charts with Chart Layouts:

1. Create Separate Charts: Create individual charts for each data set you want to combine. You can use the same method as described above for creating charts.
2. Arrange Charts: Once you have your individual charts, click and drag them to arrange them on your worksheet in a layout that visually connects the data. You can resize them as needed to fit your space.
3. Coordinate Chart Elements: While the charts will be separate visually, you can ensure they present a cohesive view by coordinating elements like:
- Matching Scales: If the charts represent values on the same scale (e.g., percentage change), use the same scale on both charts for easier comparison.
- Consistent Color Palettes: Use similar color schemes for corresponding data series across the charts to improve visual flow.
- Chart Titles and Legends: Clearly label each chart title and legend to avoid confusion.

Choosing the Right Method:

- Combo charts are ideal when you want to display different data types (e.g., trends vs. absolute values) within the same visual context.
- Chart layouts are better suited when you want to present multiple charts with a clear separation but a thematic connection.

By combining charts effectively, you can create a more informative and visually compelling presentation of your data in Excel.