How to Create a Bar Chart in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step Guide with Images)

Let's dive into the steps to create a bar chart in Google Sheets.

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Before you create a bar chart, ensure your data is organized in a clear and logical manner. Typically, you'll have categories in one column and corresponding values in another. For example:

Tips:

• Ensure there are no blank rows or columns within your data range.
• Use descriptive labels for your categories to make the chart more informative.
• If your data includes dates, make sure they are formatted correctly to avoid any issues when creating the chart.

Step 2: Select Your Data

1. Highlight the cells that contain the data you want to include in your bar chart including the headers.
2. Make sure to include both the categories and the values.

Tips:

• Click and drag to select the range, or use keyboard shortcuts (Shift + Arrow keys) for faster selection.
• Double-check that all relevant data is included in your selection.
• If your data is extensive, consider using filters to narrow down the selection.

Step 3: Insert the Chart

1. Go to the Insert menu at the top of the screen.
2. Select Chart. Google Sheets will automatically create a chart based on your selected data.

Tips:

• If the default chart type is not a bar chart, don't worry. You can change it in the next step.
• The Chart Editor will appear on the right side of the screen, allowing you to customize your chart.
• If you don't see the Chart Editor, click on the chart to activate it.

Step 4: Choose the Bar Chart Type

In the Chart Editor that appears on the right side of the screen:

1. Click on the Setup tab.
2. Under Chart type, select Bar chart. You can choose between a vertical bar chart or a horizontal bar chart, depending on your preference.

3. When selecting a bar chart in Google Sheets, you can choose between three main types depending on your data visualization needs: Standard Bar Chart – Displays separate bars for each category, ideal for comparing independent values. Stacked Bar Chart – Stacks multiple data series within each bar to show both total size and individual contributions. Useful for analyzing group comparisons. 100% Stacked Bar Chart – Similar to the stacked bar chart, but each bar represents 100% of the total, making it easier to compare percentage distributions across categories.

Tips:

• Vertical bar charts are great for comparing data across categories.
• Horizontal bar charts are useful when category names are long or when you have many categories.
• Experiment with different chart types to see which one best represents your data.

Step 5: Customize Your Chart

Now that you have your bar chart, you can customize it to better fit your needs:

Chart Title

• Editing the Title: Click on the chart title to edit it. Type in a descriptive title that accurately reflects the data being presented. For example, "Monthly Sales Performance" or "Product Sales Comparison."
• Font and Style: You can change the font, size, and style of the title to match your document's theme. To do this, click on the title, then use the formatting options in the Chart Editor.

Tips:

• Make the title clear and concise.
• Use a font style that is easy to read.

Axis Titles

• Adding Axis Titles: Axis titles provide context for the data on the horizontal and vertical axes. To add or edit axis titles, go to the Customize tab in the Chart Editor, then select Chart & Axis Titles. Enter your titles in the provided fields.
• Formatting Axis Titles: Similar to the chart title, you can customize the font, size, and style of the axis titles.

Tips:

• Use descriptive titles that explain what each axis represents (e.g., "Month" for the horizontal axis and "Sales ($)" for the vertical axis).
• Ensure the titles are legible and appropriately sized.

Colors and Chart Style

• Changing Bar Colors: You can change the colors of the bars to make your chart more visually appealing. In the Customize tab, select Series. Here, you can choose different colors for each data series.
• Background Color: Change the background color of the chart to match your document's theme. This option is available under Chart Style in the Customize tab.
• Border Color: You can add or change the border color of the chart to make it stand out.

Tips:

• Use contrasting colors to differentiate between data series.
• Choose colors that are visually appealing and easy to distinguish.
• Choose a background color that complements the colors of the bars.
• Use a border color that enhances the overall appearance of the chart.

Want help with the Color usage? Check out The Guide to Using Colors in Charts.

Gridlines and Labels

• Adjusting Gridlines: Gridlines help readers interpret the values on the chart. You can add or remove gridlines by going to the Customize tab and selecting Gridlines and Ticks. Adjust the major and minor gridlines as needed.
• Adding Data Labels: Data labels display the exact values on the bars. To add data labels, go to the Customize tab, select Series, and check the box for Data Labels. You can customize the position and format of the labels.

Tips:

• Use gridlines to enhance readability without cluttering the chart.
• Data labels should be clear and positioned in a way that does not overlap with the bars.

Series Customization

• Error Bars: If your data includes variability, you can add error bars to indicate the range of values. This option is available under Series in the Customize tab.
• Bar Width: Adjust the width of the bars to make the chart more readable. This can be

Step 6: Exporting & Sharing Your Chart

Once you're happy with your bar chart, you can:

• Download it as a PNG, PDF, or SVG (Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the chart → Download).
• Copy & paste it into Google Docs or Slides.
• Publish it online by clicking *File → Publish to the web

Conclusion

Creating bar charts in Google Sheets is a valuable skill for data visualization. With this guide, you're now equipped to create professional, informative bar charts for any purpose. Remember to experiment with different styles and customizations to find what works best for your data and audience.