Google Sheets is a powerful tool for organizing and analyzing data. Creating charts and graphs in Google Sheets allows you to convey information more effectively, whether you’re tracking sales, monitoring trends, or presenting data to others. In this article, explore the steps to create various types of charts and graphs in Google Sheets. From simple line charts to dynamic bar graphs, you’ll learn how to transform raw data into compelling visual representations.

What is Chart in Google Sheets?

In Google Sheets, a chart (sometimes also referred to as a graph) is a visual representation of your data. It takes the information stored in your spreadsheet and translates it into an image, making it easier to identify trends, patterns, and relationships between different data points.

What is Graph in Google Sheets?

In Google Sheets, the terms "chart" and "graph" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a visual representation of your data. However, there can be subtle differences depending on the context. Here's a breakdown:

Chart (General Term): This is the broader term encompassing all types of visual data representations in Google Sheets. It includes bar charts, pie charts, line charts, scatter plots, and more.

Graph (More Specific): While sometimes used interchangeably, "graph" can imply a more specific type of chart that uses axes (X and Y) to plot data points. Examples include scatter plots, histograms, and line graphs.

Chart vs. Graph – What’s the difference?

Usually in Google Sheets Charts and Graphs are used for visualizing the data but they may contain some differences which we will be talking about below:

Different types of Charts and How to Create them in Google Sheets

Line Chart

Line Chart shows trends over time and other contiguous categories.

How to Create Line Chart in Google Sheet

Follow the steps to create a Line Chart: -

1. Select the desired Data
2. Click "Insert" >> Select Chart
3. Choose Line Chart

Area Chart

Area Chart can be similar to the Line Chart but the area below the line is filled in. Area Chart can be used for showing the cumulative total of a value over time.

How to Create Area Chart in Google Sheet

Follow the steps given below to create the Area Chart.

1. Select the Desired Data
2. Click on "Insert" >> Select "Chart"
3. Choose Area Chart

Column Chart

Column Chart works to display the data as vertical bars and can be useful in comparing the data between the categories.

How to Create Column Chart in Google Sheet

Follow the steps given below to create the Column Chart: -

1. Select the Data
2. Click on Insert >> Select Chart
3. Choose Column Charts
   

Bar Chart

These are similar to the Column Chart but as a horizontal bar with the data. Useful for comparing values across categories.

How to Create Bar Chart in Google Sheet

Follow the steps given below to create the bar Chart:

1. Select the Data
2. Click on Insert >> Select Chart
3. Choose the Bars Charts

Pie Charts

Pie Charts are used to represent the parts of a whole, these types of charts can be useful whenever we want to display the percentages or proportions within the datasets.

How to Create Pie Chart in Google Sheet

Follow the steps given below to create the Pie Charts in Google Sheets:

1. Select the Data
2. Click on Insert >> Select Charts
3. Choose Pie Charts

How to Make a Graph in Google Sheets

Step 1: Open Google Sheets and Select a Sheet

Open the Google spreadsheet and select a spreadsheet on which you can perform your task.

Step 2: Select Data and Click on "Insert"

After opening the sheet select the data that you want to create a chart and click on the "Insert" tab from the toolbar.

Step 3: Select Chart

Select the Chart button from the menu appeared after clicking on the Insert menu, this action will convert your data into the form of charts.

Step 4: Setup Chart and Select Chart Type

Once your data is converted into the chart you can setup your chart type by clicking on the "Chart Type".

Step 5: Choose Your Desired Chart

In the Chart Type section, a several number of charts will be present you can choose your desired chart to be displayed.

Step 6: Customize Your Chart

When you are finished with choosing the chart type then after you can also customize your chart by customizing the Chart Style, Series, Legend, Vertical Axis.

How to Create a Chart or Graph in Google Sheets on Mobile

Step 1: Open Google Sheets

To open the Google Sheet Mobile App, locate the app and give it a click.

Step 2: Select A Sheet

After opening the Google Sheets select a sheet in which you want to make the chart.

Step 3: Select Data and Click on Insert Icon

Once your sheet is opened then select the data you want to convert into a chart and click tap on the Insert Icon.

Step 4: Select Chart

Now a menu will appear select "Chart" from the menu.

Step 5: Customize Chart >> Click on Tick icon

Now you can also customize your chart by changing the chart type, color, titles, legend and so on.

Step 6: Chart Created

You have now successfully created a chart of your data.

Conclusion

Charts are the best idea to display your data into a representable form so that your data can be recognized easily. Google Sheets provides you a best feature of converting the data into the chart. All you have to do is open Google Sheets and select the sheet in you want to create a chart. Then select the data and click on the "Insert" menu, from the Insert menu select Charts. After then you can customize your chart in the chart setup section.

How do I customize the appearance of my chart?

You can customize your chart in the chart setup section by changing the color, legend, size appearance.

Can I add data labels to my chart?

To create label on you chart follow the steps given below:-

1. Select the Chart
2. Open Customization Setup section
3. Click on Label
4. Add Label