Google Sheets turns a range of numbers into a chart in a couple of clicks. It suggests a chart type for you, and the chart editor lets you change the type, data and look. Charts update automatically when the data changes.
Quick Answer
Select your data including headers, click Insert, then Chart. Use the Setup tab of the chart editor to pick the chart type and the Customize tab to change titles, colors and axes.
How to Make a Graph in Google Sheets
- Enter your data in columns with a header row, such as Month in column A and Sales in column B.
- Select the whole range, headers included.
- Click Insert, then Chart. Sheets adds a chart and opens the chart editor on the right.
- On the Setup tab, choose a chart type such as Column, Line, Pie or Scatter, and check the data range.
- On the Customize tab, edit the chart title, axis titles, series colors and legend.
- Drag the chart to move it, or drag a corner to resize it. Double-click it any time to reopen the editor.
Which Chart to Use
| Chart type | Good for |
|---|---|
| Column or bar | Comparing amounts across categories |
| Line | Trends over time |
| Pie | Parts of a whole (a few categories) |
| Scatter | Relationship between two numbers |
| Combo | Two series with different scales |
| Histogram | How values are distributed |
Troubleshooting
- If the chart looks wrong, check Switch rows and columns and Use row 1 as headers on the Setup tab.
- Blank rows or text in number columns can break the chart. Clean the data or narrow the range.
- To show data from different places, add ranges with Add series in the Setup tab.
- For distributions, read how to make a histogram in Google Sheets.
Related: make a line graph in Google Docs.
Related: Calculate correlation in Google Sheets.
Related: Change chart colors in Google Sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download the chart?
Yes. Click the three-dot menu on the chart and choose Download as PNG, PDF or SVG.
Can I put the chart in Slides or Docs?
Yes. Copy it and paste into Slides or Docs, and choose to keep it linked. See how to insert a Google Sheet into Google Slides.
Does the chart update when data changes?
Yes, charts in Sheets update automatically.
Can I make a chart on the phone app?
Yes. Select the data, tap the plus sign, then Chart.
Summary
- Select the data with headers.
- Insert, Chart.
- Pick a type on the Setup tab.
- Style it on the Customize tab.
- Move, resize or download it.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.