How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel

Step 1 – Making Dataset for Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel

Prepare your dataset. Our sample dataset contains monthly item sales as shown below. Variables on the X-axis are represented by row headers, while variables on the Y-axis are represented by column headers.


Step 2: Inserting Line Graph

  • Select the range of the cells and go to the Insert tab. Choose Insert Line or Area Chart and select 2-D Line.

How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel

  • It will insert the following line graph.


Step 3 – Switching Row/Column of Excel Graph

  • Right-click on the line graph and choose Select Data.

How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel

  • Select Switch Row/Column and click on OK.

  • You will get the following line graph.

How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel

Skip this step if you don’t need to organize your line graph.


Step 4 – Adding a Secondary Axis to the Graph

  • Double-click on the line graph for Item 3. The Format Data Series pane will appear on the right. You can also do that by right-clicking on the data series.
  • Click on the Secondary Axis as shown below.

How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel

  • Double-click on the secondary axis and change the Maximum value to adjust the data series.

  • You will get the following line graph.

How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel


Step 5 – Adding Chart Elements

  • After clicking on the Add Chart Element, you will see a list of elements.
  • Click on them one by one to add, remove, or edit.

How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel

  • Alternatively, you can find the list of chart elements by clicking the Plus (+) button on the right corner of the chart.
  • Check the elements to add and uncheck the elements to remove.
  • You will find an arrow on the element, where you will find other options to edit the elements.

  • Click on the chart title to rename it as required.

  • Click on the Chart Elements icon and align the Legend to the right.

How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel

  • You will get the following line graph.

How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel


Step 6 – Finalizing Line Graph with 3 Variables

  • To modify the chart style, select Chart Design, and select your desired Style 7 option from the Chart Styles group.

How to Make Line Graph with 3 Variables in Excel

  • You will get the following line graph.

Read More: How to Make Line Graph in Excel with 2 Variables


Things to Remember

✎ Before you insert a line graph, make sure you’ve clicked anywhere within the data. Otherwise, you’ll need to manually add rows and columns later.

✎ Avoid using line graphs when working with a large dataset as they can become cluttered and hard to read.

✎ Before switching rows and columns, make sure they are all selected.


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Saquib Ahmad Shuvo
Saquib Ahmad Shuvo

Saquib Ahmad Bhuiyan, holding a BSc degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, skillfully integrates engineering expertise with a passion for Excel. He provides solutions to complex issues as an Excel & VBA Content Developer for ExcelDemy Forum. He demonstrates an enthusiastic mindset and adeptness in managing critical situations with finesse, showcasing his commitment to excellence. Apart from creating Excel tutorials, he is interested in Data Analysis with MS Excel, Rhinoceros,... Read Full Bio

4 Comments
  1. can you explain this 3 variable graph. what does it say

    • Reply Avatar photo
      Saquib Ahmad Shuvo Mar 9, 2023 at 11:27 AM

      Dear Deezballs,
      Greetings. Usually, it refers to having three sets of data that you want to plot on the same graph when making a line graph in Excel with three variables. In general, using three variables when making a line graph in Excel means you want to see how three different sets of data relate to one another over time or across a range of values.

  2. This was very helpful. Thank you.

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