How to make a graph in Google Sheets
Hugo Nunes • Sept 27, 2023 • 12 min read
Before we proceed, it's crucial to understand the difference between charts and graphs, as these terms are often used interchangeably but are not the same. While a chart is a broad term that refers to various forms of data visualization, a graph is a specific type of chart that represents numerical data and the relationships between different data points. Graphs are particularly useful for depicting trends over a period of time, such as line graphs, or for showing relationships between variables, like scatter plots.
In this guide, I’ll cover two methods on how to:
- Make a graph in Google Sheets, using its built-in features;
- Make a graph with your data stored in Google Sheets, using Softr.
As an example, we will use sample data to visualize sales evolution over a period of 12 months.
Making a graph in Google Sheets, using its built-in features
Google Sheets is a versatile tool for data visualization. It's user-friendly and offers a variety of options to create graphs that suit your needs. Whether you're looking to plot sales data, track your personal expenses, present research findings, or something else, Google Sheets has got you covered.
Step 1: Prepare your data
Before diving into creating a graph, it's crucial to have your data properly organized. The next steps will guide you through the process of properly setting up your data in Google Sheets to create a graph.
Step 1.1: Label the headers
In the first row of your dataset, you should identify what each column is about. To follow our sales evolution example, type "Month" on the top-left cell (A1), and "Sales" on the next cell (A2).
Adding a header to a dataset in Google Sheets.
Step 1.2: Add your data
Now that your headers are set, it's time to populate the data. In our example, we added each month of the year and the amount of sales obtained in each of these periods.
Adding data to Google Sheets.
Step 1.3 Verify data format
Ensure that the data in the "Month" column is recognized as a date (or other that applies to your case). If not, you can change the format by selecting the column, choosing "Format" from the menu above and selecting the desired option.
Similarly, ensure that the data in the "Sales" column is recognized as numbers or as currency. If not, follow the same instructions as above to change the format.
Formatting data in Google Sheets.
Step 2: Select the data for your graph
Once your data is well-organized and formatted, the next step is to select the specific data you want to visualize. This is a crucial step as it determines what your graph will display.
To do so, click on the first cell of your dataset and drag your mouse until you’ve selected all of it.
Selecting a dataset in Google Sheets.
Step 3: Choose and insert a graph
Now that you've selected your data, it's time to decide which type of graph will best represent your information. Google Sheets offers a variety of graph types, each with its own advantages for displaying certain kinds of data.
Step 3.1: Insert a chart
Go to the top menu bar in your Google Sheets, and click on "Insert." From the dropdown menu, select "Chart."
Inserting a chart in a spreadsheet
Step 3.2: Choose a graph type
A default chart will appear, along with the chart editor on the right side of your screen.
In the chart editor, under the "Setup" tab, click on the "Chart type" dropdown menu, so that you can see different types of graphs.
Select the graph type that best suits your data. For sales data over time, a line graph or a column graph is often effective. In this tutorial, we are using the "Smooth line chart" type.
Selecting a chart type in Google Sheets.
Step 3.3: Adjust the position of your graph
Click and hold your graph to move it to the position you want it to be.
Adjusting the position of a graph in Google Sheets.
Step 4: Customize your graph
After inserting the graph and choosing the right type, the next step is to customize it, so that it clearly and accurately represents your data. Google Sheets offers a variety of customization options to do so.
Step 4.1: Open the chart editor
If the Chart editor is not already open, double-click on your graph. The Chart editor will appear on the right side of your Google Sheet.
Google Sheets’ chart editor.
Step 4.2: Navigate to the customization tab
In the chart editor, at the top of the panel, click on the "Customize" tab. It will list a variety of customization options.
Chart editor’s customization tab
Step 4.3: Customize chart style
Under the "Customize" tab of the chart editor, you'll find an option for "Chart style." Click on it to expand the menu.
Here, you can change the chart background color, font, and border color. Among other options, you can also opt for smooth lines if it suits your data or choose to maximize your graph.
Chart style options in Google Sheets.
Step 4.4: Customize chart and axis titles
Still under the "Customize" tab, find the option for "Chart & axis titles." Click on it to expand the menu.
Here you can add chart titles, and subtitles, or change the font for both.
Customizing graph titles in Sheets.
Step 4.5: Customize legend
Locate the "Legend" option under the "Customize" tab in the chart editor. Click on it to expand the menu. There, you can change the legend's position, font color, size, and format.
Customize a graph’s legend in Google Sheets.
Step 5: You made a graph in Google Sheets!
By following these steps, you made a graph in Google Sheets. You can use it to help yourself or others to visualize and understand your data.
Graph in Google Sheets.
Making a graph with your data stored in Google Sheets, using Softr
If you're looking for an alternative way to visualize your Google Sheets data, Softr offers a platform to create amazing graphs. Softr is particularly useful if you want to include it in an app for your team, embed your graphs in a website, or if you're looking for more customization options.
Step 1: Sign in or register to Softr
First, you will need to log in to Softr. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up to Softr for free.
Softr homepage.
Step 2: Click on "New Application"
With your Softr account set up, it's time to create a new application where your graph will be housed.
On your Softr dashboard, locate and click on the "New Application" button.
Templates section of the Softr Studio.
Step 3: Search for a template
Softr offers a wide variety of templates that can simplify the process of making a graph with your data in Google Sheets. For this purpose, I recommend the Sales CRM template. Locate and select it in the list to proceed.
Step 4: Click on "Use Template"
You can now learn more about the Sales CRM template, including its features and functionalities. Once you’re ready, click on the "Use Template" button.
Creating an app using a Softr template.
Step 5: Select Google Sheets as the data source
Once you've selected your template, you'll be prompted to choose a data source. Because you want your graph to use data stored in Google Sheets, select "Google Sheets" from the available options, and click on "Continue."
Choosing a data source to create a Softr app.
Step 6: Connect to Google Sheets
Now, you have to connect your Softr app with your Google Account. To do so, follow the next steps.
Step 6.1: Select a Google Account
A new window or tab will open for you to log in to or select your Google Account.
Choosing a Google account to connect with Softr.
Step 6.2 Grant additional access
In this step, you’ll need to grant Softr access to a set of features. Click on "Select all" and then hit “Continue."
Granting Softr access to a Google account.
Step 6.3: Go to your app
Now that your Google account is connected with Softr, click on “Go to application.”
Softr app successfully created.
Step 7: Add a new graph block
Softr lets you easily place pre-made blocks into pages, including graphs.
Step 7.1 Add a block
Navigate to the page you need to have your graph block, by using the button on the left sidebar. Then, click on the "+" icon on the top-right corner of the screen.
