How to Make a Graph in Google Sheets

Google Sheets offers a robust suite of tools to convert your data into meaningful graphs. Whether you're looking to create a simple line chart or a more intricate pie chart, Google Sheets has got you covered. The platform's intuitive interface ensures that even those new to data visualization can craft compelling graphs with ease.

But why should you consider using graphs in your spreadsheets? Firstly, they provide a quick snapshot of the data, making it easier for both the creator and the viewer to draw insights. Secondly, they add a visual appeal to your spreadsheet, making it more engaging. And lastly, with the variety of customization options available in Google Sheets, you can tailor your graphs to convey your data story effectively.

Understanding how to harness the full potential of Google Sheets for data visualization can transform your data presentations from mundane to insightful. Whether you're looking to provide a snapshot of quarterly sales, track project progress, or analyze trends over time, the right graph can make all the difference.

This tutorial will guide you through the nuances of creating and customizing graphs in Google Sheets.

How to Insert a Chart in Google Sheets Based on Existing Data

Diving into the world of data visualization starts with the basic step of adding a chart to your spreadsheet. This method will guide you on seamlessly integrating a visual representation of your data, making it easier to interpret and share.

1. Select the data you want to create a chart for
    
   
   
2. In the menu, select “Insert” and “Chart”
    
   
   
3. Use the Google Sheets “Chart editor” to adjust your chart
    
   See the next method for more detailed explanations.
    
   

How to Change the Chart Type in Google Sheets

Different datasets require different visual narratives. This section will introduce you to the various chart types available in Google Sheets, ensuring you select the most fitting representation for your data's unique story.

Open the “Chart editor” and select the “Chart type”

Double-click the chart to open the “Chart editor”. Click the “Chart type” selector and then choose one of the available types. Google Sheets can create different line-charts, area-charts, and column-charts.
 

How to Customize Chart Axis and Titles in Google Sheets

A chart's clarity often hinges on its labels and titles. In this segment, we'll delve into the customization of axis labels and chart titles, ensuring your visuals are both informative and easy to understand.

1. Open the Google Sheets “Chart editor” as explained above, switch to the “Customize”-tab, and expand the “Chart & axis titles” menu. There, select “Chart title”.
    
   
   
2. Enter a “Title text” for the chart
    
   The title will show instantly on the chart, so you can see directly if you like the result.
    
   
   
3. Do the same for the “Horizontal axis title” and the “Vertical axis title”
    
   
   
4. Both axis titles will also show up instantly on the chart
    
   
   
5. Adjust “Title font”, “Title font size”, “Title format”, and “Title text color”
    
   
   

How to Change Chart Colors, Fonts, and Style in Google Sheets

The aesthetics of a chart play a crucial role in capturing attention and conveying information. Here, we'll explore the myriad of design options in Google Sheets, from color schemes to font choices, allowing you to craft charts that are both visually appealing and aligned with your presentation's theme.

The “Customize” tab in the “Chart-editor” of Google Sheets allows you to change many aspects of the chart to make it look more beautiful and informative.
 

Chart Style Options:

• Background Color: Change the background color of the entire chart area.
• Chart Border Color: Set a distinct color for the border of the chart.
• Font: Choose a specific font for the text elements within the chart.
• Font Size: Adjust the size of the text for better visibility and aesthetics.
• Font Color: Modify the color of the text elements to match your desired theme.

• Maximize: Optimize the chart's size to take up the maximum space available, ensuring that the visual representation is as large and clear as possible.

• Compare mode: This is a feature primarily used with time-based data on line charts. When activated, “Compare mode” allows you to compare data points from different series at the same horizontal axis value (typically time intervals like dates). Here's what it does:

  1. Highlighting Data Points: When you hover over a data point in one series, “Compare mode” will simultaneously highlight corresponding data points from other series that fall on the same horizontal axis value.

  2. Tooltip Information: The tooltip that appears when hovering over a data point will display information for all series at that specific horizontal axis value, making it easier to compare values across different series at a glance.

  3. Visual Clarity: This mode is especially useful when you have multiple series on a line chart and want to quickly compare their values at specific time intervals.

Extra: How to Insert a Text Box in Google Docs or Sheets

The process to insert a text box in Google Docs isn't as intuitive. For whatever reason, Google has hidden the feature behind an entirely different menu that is rarely frequented. In our other guide, we show you how to insert a text box in Google Docs or Google Sheets, while disclosing a small trick to put a text box over an image.
 

Extra: How to Make a Google Form / Google Survey

Google Forms is a web-based application that allows you to create and share online forms and use as a free survey maker with multiple question types. You can use Google Forms for various purposes, such as collecting feedback, conducting research, organizing events, testing knowledge, and more. Google Forms is part of the Google Workspace suite of productivity tools that integrates with other Google services like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and Sheets. In our other guide, we show you how to create a Google Form, how to share your poll, and where you can view results.