# Combined axis and dual axis charts

*Tableau Desktop Foundations Study Guide · Exploring and Analyzing Data · Last updated October 29, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-desktop-foundations/exploring-and-analyzing-data/combined-axis-and-dual-axis-charts*

Three ways to show two measures together: separate axes, a combined (blended) axis built from Measure Names and Measure Values, or a dual axis with two independent scales in one pane. Covers where to drop the measure, Synchronize Axis, and per-measure Marks cards for bar-and-line combo charts.

- Certification: Salesforce Tableau Desktop Foundations
- Exam section: Exploring and Analyzing Data
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-desktop-foundations

**Official exam objective:**

> Create basic charts: Create a bar chart; Create a line chart; Create a scatterplot; Create a map using geographic data; Create a combined axis chart; Create a dual axis chart; Create a stacked bar; Create a density map; Create a chart to show specific values (crosstab, highlight table).

## What the exam expects

- Choose between individual axes, a combined (blended) axis and a dual axis from the measures' scales and units.
- Create a combined axis by dropping a measure onto an existing axis, and name the changes Tableau makes with Measure Names and Measure Values.
- Create a dual axis by dropping a measure on the right side of the view, or with Dual Axis on the shelf field.
- Synchronize the two axes of a dual axis chart when they should share a scale.
- Build a combo chart, such as bars with a line, by changing the mark type on one measure's Marks card.

Key terms:
- **Combined (blended) axis:** one shared continuous axis for several measures, all marks in a single pane.
- **Dual axis:** two independent axes layered on top of each other in the same pane.
- **Measure Values / Measure Names:** generated fields holding all measure values (continuous) and all measure names (discrete).
- **Combo chart:** a view whose measures use customized marks, such as different mark types.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined (blended) axis | Drop a measure or axis onto an existing axis | [Add Axes for Multiple Measures in Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/multiple_measures.htm) |
| Blended axis field | Measure Values creates the shared axis | [Add Axes for Multiple Measures in Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/multiple_measures.htm) |
| Measure Names when blending | On Color, and filtered to the blended measures | [Add Axes for Multiple Measures in Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/multiple_measures.htm) |
| When to blend | Similar scale and units | [Add Axes for Multiple Measures in Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/multiple_measures.htm) |
| Dual axis | Drop on the right side at the black dashed line, or Dual Axis on the field | [Add Axes for Multiple Measures in Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/multiple_measures.htm) |
| Layered axes limit | Up to four: two on Columns and two on Rows | [Add Axes for Multiple Measures in Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/multiple_measures.htm) |
| Synchronize Axis | Right-click the secondary axis; aligns it to the primary scale | [Add Axes for Multiple Measures in Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/multiple_measures.htm) |
| Marks cards with several measures | One per measure, plus All | [Add Axes for Multiple Measures in Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/multiple_measures.htm) |
| Measure Values / Measure Names | Continuous values / discrete names of all measures | [Measure Values and Measure Names](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/datafields_understanddatawindow_meavalues.htm) |

## Check yourself

- Why do Show Me's dual lines not share one value range like a blended axis?
- When does a measure dropped on the canvas create dual axes instead of a blended axis?
- How many layered axes can one view hold?

## Sources

- [Add Axes for Multiple Measures in Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/multiple_measures.htm)
- [Measure Values and Measure Names](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/datafields_understanddatawindow_meavalues.htm)
- [Building Line Charts](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/buildexamples_line.htm)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 4 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Tableau Desktop Foundations pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams