Do you have trouble handling complex numerical data in your spreadsheet? Bar graphs can be an effective technique for visually representing information. However, how can you make a fancy bar graph with Google Sheets? In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make a bar graph in Google Sheets. In addition, we'll present WPS Spreadsheet, a great tool for working with numbers. Prepare to master the skill of easily visualizing data!
Bar Graph in Google Sheet
What is the bar graph in Google sheet?
In Google Sheets, a bar graph is a visual representation of data that uses rectangular bars of variable lengths. Each bar symbolizes a different category or group, and its length is associated with the value or amount connected with that category.
Bar graphs are widely used to compare multiple data points or to depict patterns over time. They make it easier to understand patterns and relationships in data by communicating information in a clear and straightforward manner.
Different Types of Bar Graphs in Google Sheet
1. Horizontal Bar Graphs
The rectangular bars are horizontally drawn on the y-axis in these sorts of bar graphs, and the value corresponding to each bar is shown on the x-axis.
2. Vertical Bar Graphs
Unlike horizontal bar graphs, the rectangular bars are drawn vertically on the x-axis, and the value corresponding to each bar is shown on the y-axis.
3. Stacked Bar Graphs
The stacked bar graph (also known as the composite bar graph) divides the entire bar into parts. To make it easier to recognise individual groups, each section is coloured and labeled differently.
4. 100% Stacked Bar Graphs
This graph, like stacked bar graphs, divides the bar into coloured segments based on different categories. The sole difference is that in a 100% stacked bar graph, the stacked bar is always equal to 100%, i.e., the height of each bar is always 100%.
How to Make a Bar Graph in Google Sheets Simply (Step by Step)
Bar graphs are a great way to visualize data and create patterns, and this guide will walk you through on how to create a bar graph in Google Sheets online.
Step 1: Open your web browser and visit Google Sheets
Step 2: Open the sheet that contains data or users can also make a new sheet in Google Sheets and set up data
Step 3: Select the data for which bar graph is to be need created
Step 4: On the ribbon menu, click on “Insert” and then select “Chart”
Step 5: On the Chart Editor menu, users can click on the Chart Type drop down menu and select the Bar graph of their choice.
Step 6: Once the Bar chart is created, users can also customize their chart such as change the Chart Title, font size, along with many other customization options
WPS Spreadsheet - Good Helper for Bar Graph Making
WPS Spreadsheet is a powerful and user-friendly software that serves as an excellent helper for creating bar graphs. WPS Spreadsheet, with its comprehensive features and intuitive interface, makes the process of making bar graphs easy and efficient. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, WPS Spreadsheet provides the necessary tools and functionalities to visualize your data effectively.
Features
Data Organization: WPS Spreadsheet helps you organize and manage data in a tabular format.
Formulas and Functions: WPS Spreadsheet provides built-in functions for calculation allowing users to alter data from basic to complex calculations.
Data Analysis: WPS Spreadsheet provides advanced data analysis capabilities to extract insights, run scenarios, and verify accuracy and consistency.
Collaboration and Sharing: WPS Spreadsheet allows for real-time collaboration and sharing of spreadsheets, allowing for control over access and permissions.
Pros
User-Friendly Interface: WPS Spreadsheet provides a simple and easy-to-use interface for users of all skill levels to navigate and interact with spreadsheets.
Wide Range of Features: WPS Spreadsheet has a powerful feature set, including formulas, functions, formatting, charting, and data analysis tools.
Cost-Effective: WPS Spreadsheet is a low-cost alternative to commercial spreadsheet software, offering the majority of features.
How to Make a Bar Graph in WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet has made creating Bar Graph very simple with its advanced functions and easy-to-use interface. Here’s how you can create one for yourself:
Step 1: Launch WPS Office on your system
Step 2: Open the data sheet
Step 3: Select the date required for the bar chart
Step 4: On the Insert Chart dialog box, select the type of graph required, we will be selecting “Bar Graph”. WPS Spreadsheet offers a variety of templates to its users.
Step 5: Once the chart has been created, users can simply customize their chart by using the “chart tools” on the ribbon menu or for quick customization users can also access the customization options at the side of the chart.
Why Do We Need Bar Graphs?
Bar graphs are an effective method for visually portraying information, and they are frequently used in a variety of industries to easily convey complex information. Here are some of the reasons why we require bar graphs:
Bar graphs are simple to comprehend and extensively utilized.
They may display changes over time, which aids in the visualization of trends.
They can use vertical or horizontal bars with lengths proportional to the size of the variables being compared to represent categorical data.
They can compare many categorical or discrete variables, such as age groups, classes, and schools, among others.
They are helpful with time series data.
They can visualize data and be used to compare one or more types of data.
They are quick to construct, clearly demonstrate comparisons, and are simple for the audience to understand.
Necessary Tips for Making Bar Graphs
Keep It Super Simple: Keep it simple by concentrating on the main information you want to convey and avoiding cluttering images.
Use the Right Axis: To enable unambiguous comparisons, ensure that the axis accurately represents the data range and scale.
Sort Everything Intuitively: Arrange the bars in a logical order, such as ascending or decreasing values, to make data interpretation easier for users.
Avoid 3-D Effects: Use 2-D bar graphs instead of 3-D effects, which might distort the data and make it difficult to read precisely.
Use the Right Colors: Select colors that improve readability and convey meaning, for utilizing various colors for different categories or emphasizing key data points.
FAQ
Q1. Can bar graphs be used with multiple variables?
Yes, bar graphs can be used with multiple variables. In such cases, a grouped or stacked bar graph is typically employed. Part-to-whole comparisons between variables are best displayed using visualization styles such as a Bar Graph with three variables. Essentially, the chart allows you to compare critical data points to the aggregate values in each bar.
Q2. Can a bar graph have two bars?
Yes, a bar graph can contain two or more bars. In fact, bar graphs are frequently used to compare data across categories or groups. A double bar graph's x-axis represents the categories being compared, while the y-axis represents the scale.
Q3. What is the difference between a bar chart and a grouped bar chart?
The grouped bar chart, like a regular bar chart, is designed to depict a distribution of data points or to make comparisons across multiple categories of data. The grouped bar chart differs in that it divides data points across two categorical variables rather than simply one.
