How to Make a Line Graph in Google Sheets
Line graphs are a powerful way to visualize trends and changes in data over time. Whether you're tracking sales, analyzing performance, or comparing values across dates, Google Sheets makes it easy to create clean and clear line graphs.
This tutorial will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a line graph in Google Sheets, customizing it to suit your needs, and making your data more digestible and visually appealing. No prior experience required just follow along and you'll be graphing like a pro!
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Open Google Sheets
Navigate to Google Sheets and open your existing file or create a new one.
Step 2: Enter Your Data
Structure your data with:
- Column A: Categories (e.g., Months or Dates)
- Column B (and beyond): Values you want to track (e.g., Sales, Visitors)
Example:
Month | Sales |
Jan | 100 |
Feb | 120 |
Mar | 150 |
Step 3: Select the Data
Click and drag to highlight the data range including both labels and values.
Step 4: Insert Line Graph
Go to the menu and click:
Insert > Chart
Google Sheets will automatically suggest a chart type.
Step 5: Change Chart Type (if needed)
In the Chart Editor (sidebar on the right):
- Click on Setup
- Under Chart type, choose Line chart
Step 6: Customize the Chart
Click the Customize tab to:
- Change colors
- Add chart & axis titles
- Adjust gridlines or legend placement
Step 7: Resize and Move
Click and drag your graph to place it wherever you want on your sheet. Resize using the corners.
Conclusion
Making a line graph in Google Sheets is fast, easy, and incredibly useful for visualizing data.
With just a few clicks, you can turn raw numbers into a story that’s easy to understand. Use this feature for personal projects, business reports, or academic assignments to make a stronger impact with your data.
FAQs are here to guide!
Can I plot multiple lines in one graph?
Yes! Simply include multiple columns of values—Google Sheets will plot one line per column.
How do I change the line color or style?
Use the Customize tab in the Chart Editor to adjust colors, line thickness, and points.
What should I do if the wrong chart appears?
Open the Chart Editor and manually select Line chart under Chart type.
Can I copy the chart into a Google Doc or Slide?
Absolutely. Just right-click the chart, select Copy, and paste it into your doc or slide.