Show average lines outside of graph or with a background colour

[some_analyst]

Is there a way to show the average lines of a graph so that they stand out? my graph looks like this currently and the average text at the right end are not showing well. I wanted to have them either outside of the graph or with a white background so they are more readable

[pankajnamekar25 · Accepted solution]

@some_analyst 

You can try this approch by creating avergae measure add use line and column chart

Thanks,
 Pankaj Namekar | LinkedIn

If this solution helps, please accept it and give a kudos (Like), it would be greatly appreciated.

[some_analyst]

Thank you everyone, yes it sounds like I just need to create a measure and put it in there instead of  te line label

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @some_analyst,

May i know has your issue been resolved? If the response provided by the Super user @Ritaf1983, @pankajnamekar25, addressed your query, could you please confirm? It helps us ensure that the solutions provided are effective and beneficial for everyone.

If yes, kindly accept the useful reply as a solution and give us Kudos. It would be appreciated.

Thank you for your understanding!

[Ritaf1983 · Accepted solution]

Hi @some_analyst 

Technical side: In Power BI, when using constant lines (reference lines), there’s currently no built-in option to reposition the value label outside the chart area. However, you can improve readability in two ways:

1. Adjust the transparency of your bars/columns to make the reference line and its label more visible, as shown in the first image.

1. Move the average value into the chart title or subtitle area and include the average line in the legend with a matching color indicator, like in the second image.

   

   UX / Data Visualization side: From a UX perspective, combining a clustered column chart with reference lines often creates a cognitively overloaded visual. Even if the chart looks “clean,” the user has to mentally filter out noise to understand it:

   1. Clustered charts aren't ideal for time-based trends. They work for comparing individual pairs, but don’t convey progression or pattern well.

   2. Reference lines across multiple columns can be confusing—users must figure out which column they refer to, which adds friction.

   My recommendation: split the chart into two smaller visuals, each showing one metric and its average line separately—like in my example (attached).
   
   

   

   Hope this helps! Sample file with all visuals is attached for your reference.

   If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly

[pankajnamekar25 · Accepted solution]

@some_analyst 

You can try this approch by creating avergae measure add use line and column chart

Thanks,
 Pankaj Namekar | LinkedIn

If this solution helps, please accept it and give a kudos (Like), it would be greatly appreciated.

[pankajnamekar25]

Hello @some_analyst 

There is no such setting you can change background color , but you can play around the label position as shown in image

Thanks,
 Pankaj Namekar | LinkedIn

If this solution helps, please accept it and give a kudos (Like), it would be greatly appreciated.