How to Make A Bar Graph in Google Sheets | 4 Quick Steps

Bar graphs make it easier to represent complex numerical data sets. Google Sheets can help you create professional bar graphs in minutes.

Our blog tutorial guide covers different types of bar graphs, including vertical, stacked, 100% stacked, horizontal, and stacked column charts.

We provide a step-by-step guide on customization and answer FAQs on labeling, customization, error bars, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently create beautiful and informative bar graphs with Google Sheets.

What are the Types of Bar Graphs You Can Make in Google Sheets?

Google Sheets offers three types of bar charts in 2 orientations (vertical & horizontal), each with unique features and suitable for different data sets. From comparing values to showing part-to-whole relationships, there’s a bar graph type that will suit your needs.

#1. Standard Bar Chart

This is the standard row / column bar chart. It’s a commonly used chart because of its high level of readability, even for those who are not exposed to reading graphs.

#2. Stacked Bar Chart

Stacked bar charts are commonly used to compare multiple categories. In terms of industry, they are often seen in business, finance, and marketing to visualize sales data or market share.

#3. 100% Stacked Bar Graph

The 100% stacked bar graph is a great choice for comparing the proportions of categories across different groups and time periods.

This type of bar chart shows the percentage of each category in a total value, making it easier to understand the distribution of data. With a 100% stacked bar graph, you can quickly compare how much each variable contributes to the whole and identify patterns or trends that might not be immediately apparent with other types of bar charts.

It’s particularly useful for visualizing data in finance, marketing, or any field where precise comparisons are crucial.

How to Make A Bar Graph in Google Sheets

With Google Sheets, creating a bar graph is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. You can quickly create charts and graphs using these simple steps:

Step 1: Highlight Your Data

The first step is to highlight your data along with its corresponding label. This will ensure that the chart accurately reflects the information you want to display.

If you have multiple sets of data, select all of them to create a more complex bar graph.

Step 2: Insert a Chart

Once you’ve highlighted your data, you can now create a chart by going to Insert > Chart in the toolbar. Google Sheets will default to Pie Chart, you can change that by following the next step.

Step 3: Change Chart Type to Bar Chart

Notice that a Chart Editor appeared on the right side of the screen. From there, make sure you’re on the Setup tab and click the Chart type dropdown menu.

From there, select the bar graph you wish to use under Column or Bar.

Step 4: Customize Bar Chart

Now that you’ve turned your Pie Chart into a Bar Graph, you can adjust chart style, chart title / axis title, horizontal / vertical axis, series, legend, and more in the Customize tab beside the Setup tab.

How to Create a Double Bar Graph in Google Sheets

Double bar graphs can be made by with a minimum data range of 2 columns. It helps create a visual comparison between 2 or more sets of data.

By following a few simple steps, you can quickly and easily create a double bar graph that is both visually appealing and informative.

Step 1: Highlight Your Data Set

When creating a double bar graph in Google Sheets, the first step is to highlight your data. This means selecting at least two sets of data that you want to compare side-by-side.

It’s important to make sure that your data is organized correctly and that each set of data is in its own column so that it can be easily compared.

Step 2: Insert a Chart

You can create a chart by following the same step described on how to create a bar graph. To insert a chart, go to Insert > Chart in the toolbar.

Step 3: Change Chart Type to Bar Chart

Again, Sheets will automatically create a Pie Chart for you. To change this, from the Setup tab on the Chart Editor, select a bar graph from the Chart Type dropdown menu.

Step 4: Customize Your Chart

After choosing the appropriate bar chart type and inserting your data, it’s time to customize your chart.

You can change the color scheme of your bars, add labels to the vertical and horizontal axis, or even insert a trendline to analyze data trends.

However, remember that simplicity is key when customizing your bar graph. Don’t overcrowd your chart with too much information or too many colors – keep it clean and consistent with the overall purpose of your data visualization.

And now you’re done! You’ve just created your double bar graph in Google Sheets!

FAQs

How to Add Data Labels in a Bar Graph in Google Sheets

Step 1: Open Chart Editor

You can open the Chart Editor by double clicking on an existing chart.

Step 2: Go to “Customize”

On the Chart Editor, Click on the “Customize” tab beside the “Setup” tab.

Step 3: Open “Series” accordion

In the Customize tab, there will be multiple pull-down options, open up “Series”. Note that not all charts have the Series option. And not all series options have the Error bar option. For a full list of charts that Error bars, scroll down below.

Step 4: Tick “Data Labels”

Scroll down the Series option to find Data Labels. Tick the box beside it till you see a check mark inside.

Step 5: Customize your Data Labels

From here, a new set of options will appear. You can customize the format, size, font, etc. of your labels with real-time changes.

How to Add Error Bars in Google Sheets

To add error bars to your bar graph, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Chart Editor

You can open the Chart Editor by double clicking on an existing chart.

Step 2: Go to “Customize”

On the Chart Editor, Click on the “Customize” tab beside the “Setup” tab.

Step 3: Open “Series” accordion

In the Customize tab, there will be multiple pull-down options, open up “Series”. Note that not all charts have the Series option. And not all series options have the Error bar option. For a full list of charts that Error bars, scroll down below.

Step 4: Tick “Error Bars”

Scroll down the Series option to find Error bars. Tick the box beside it till you see a check mark inside.

Which Charts can have Error Bars?

Here is a full list of charts that have Error bars:

1. Line charts
2. Area charts
3. Column charts
4. Bar charts
5. Scatter charts

How do I make a bar graph with multiple data in Google Sheets?

To make a bar graph with multiple data in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

Step 1: Organize your Data & Headers

Before you start creating your bar graph, make sure to organize your data and headers in columns or rows

Step 2: Highlight your data

Highlight all data and labels you want to be in the chart.

Step 3: Insert chart

From the toolbar, go to Insert > Chart.

Step 4: Select “Bar chart”

In the Chart editor, select “Bar chart” from the Chart type options.

Step 5: Customize your chart

Customize your chart by selecting color schemes, fonts

Conclusion

Creating bar graphs in Google Sheets is a quick and easy way to represent your data visually. With multiple types of bar graphs to choose from, you can easily display your data in the most effective way possible.

Follow our step-by-step guide on creating different types of bar graphs in Google Sheets and customizing them to meet your needs.