Technology

A Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Chart in Google Sheets

Charts are an intuitive way to visualize and analyze data, especially when working with large or complex datasets. This guide to creating charts in Google Sheets will empower you to process information efficiently and effectively.

Administrator

6 May, 2024

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Google Sheets offers a wide variety of chart types to match different use cases, and mastering how to create charts in Google Sheets will empower you to leverage this feature more flexibly for your work.

How to Create Charts in Google Sheets

Before you start creating a chart, you’ll need to complete the data entry into your Google Sheets spreadsheet. The information, figures, and units of measurement should be organized into rows and columns for the most accurate chart.

Creating charts in Google Sheets is done as follows:

Step 1: Open the spreadsheet containing the data you want to chart > Select Insert from the menu bar > Select Chart

Step 2: A white area (where the chart will be placed) and the Chart Editor will appear on the right side of the screen.

Step 3: Edit the information in the Setup section
- Chart type: Choose from line, area, bar, column, pie, scatter, and other chart types
- Depending on the chart type, you can further edit the “Stacking” section to track cumulative figures
- Data range: Select the range of data to be used for the chart
- Adjust the horizontal and vertical axes according to the corresponding information in the data table

Note: When selecting the range of data, you can do so in one of two ways:

Method 1: Enter the range name using the formula: [Top left cell of the data table] : [Bottom right cell of the data table]

Method 2: Click the 4 square icon in the Data range row. Hold and drag the mouse over the spreadsheet to select the data to be used.

Step 4: Edit the chart’s appearance in the Customize section
- Chart style: Adjust background color, font, border color
- Axis titles and chart title: Name the chart and each axis
- Series: Adjust the weight, color, and style of elements within the chart
- Legend: Add and edit information in the legend, making it easier for users to understand the chart’s content
- Horizontal axis, Vertical axis, Gridlines, and tick marks: Adjust the formatting of these details in the chart

As you follow these steps in the guide on how to create charts in Google Sheets, the chart’s appearance will be adjusted in real time. Once you have finished making adjustments, you can close the Chart Editor to declutter your workspace.

Some Commonly Used Chart Types

Google Sheets offers a variety of chart types. Users should choose the chart type based on the data type and the goal of presenting the content.

Line Chart

The chart consists of data points connected by straight lines. The chart shows the progression and trends of the data over time.

Examples: Monthly revenue of a business, stock prices, etc.

Area Chart

The chart shows the proportion of each component relative to other components and to the overall total.

Examples: Number of website visits per month, revenue of each region over the year, etc.

Bar/Column Chart

The chart shows the height of each category while comparing columns for each corresponding category. There is essentially little difference in usage between these two chart types. A bar chart is a vertical bar, while a column chart is a horizontal bar.

Examples: Annual rainfall, volume of seafood harvested, etc.

Pie Chart

The chart shows the percentage (%) of each component relative to the total data. This type of chart helps illustrate the structure, proportion, and identification of components with the largest and smallest proportions.

Examples: Sales structure of product groups; economic structure by industry, etc.

Frequently asked questions

To create a chart in Google Sheets, first ensure your data is organized into rows and columns. Then, go to the ‘Insert’ menu and select ‘Chart’. A white area will appear on your sheet, along with the Chart Editor on the right. From here, you can choose your chart type, data range, and customize the appearance, including titles, series, and axis formatting.

Google Sheets offers a wide variety of chart types, including line charts, area charts, bar/column charts, pie charts, and scatter charts. Each chart type serves a different purpose and is suited to specific data types. For example, a line chart is ideal for showing data progression over time, while a pie chart illustrates the composition of different components in your data.

You can select the data range for your chart by either entering the range name using the formula ‘[Top left cell] : [Bottom right cell]’ or by clicking the square icon in the ‘Data range’ row and dragging your mouse over the desired data.

Yes, you have a lot of flexibility in customizing the appearance of your chart. You can change the background color, font, and border color, as well as adjust the weight, color, and style of elements within the chart. You can also add a legend to help users understand the chart’s content more easily.

Line Chart: Shows data progression over time, e.g., monthly revenue, stock prices. Area Chart: Illustrates the proportion of each component relative to the total, e.g., website visits per month. Bar/Column Chart: Compares the height of categories, e.g., annual rainfall, seafood harvest volume. Pie Chart: Shows the percentage composition of data, e.g., sales structure, economic structure.