Creating a bar graph on Google Docs is a simple and effective way to visually represent data. All you need is a set of data, a Google account, and a few minutes of your time. Once you’ve inputted your data into a Google Sheets spreadsheet, you can easily insert a bar graph into your Google Docs document.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Make a Bar Graph on Google Docs
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand that the process involves using Google Sheets to create the bar graph, which will then be inserted into your Google Docs document. With that in mind, let’s get started!
Step 1: Open Google Sheets
Open Google Sheets and create a new spreadsheet. You’ll be entering your data here to create the bar graph.
Once you’re in Google Sheets, you’ll need to input your data into the cells. Make sure to organize your data with the categories you want to compare in one column and the corresponding values in the next column.
Step 2: Input Your Data
Enter your data into the spreadsheet, organizing it into columns and rows.
After inputting your data, it’s essential to ensure that it’s correctly formatted. This will help Google Sheets accurately generate your bar graph.
Step 3: Select the Data for the Bar Graph
Highlight the data you want to include in your bar graph.
Click and drag your mouse over the cells that contain the data you want to use for your bar graph. Make sure to include the headers if you want them to appear in the graph.
Step 4: Insert the Bar Graph
Click on “Insert” in the menu, select “Chart,” and then choose the bar graph option.
A chart editor will appear on the right side of your screen, allowing you to customize your bar graph further. You can change the bar colors, add a chart title, and make other adjustments to make your graph more informative and appealing.
Step 5: Customize the Bar Graph
Use the chart editor to make any desired customizations to your bar graph, such as changing colors or adding labels.
The chart editor provides various customization options, including the chart style, axis titles, and legend position. Take advantage of these features to make your bar graph stand out.
Step 6: Insert the Bar Graph into Google Docs
Once your bar graph is ready, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the chart and select “Copy chart.” Then, go to your Google Docs document, right-click, and select “Paste.”
Your bar graph will now appear in your Google Docs document. You can click on the graph to resize it or adjust its placement within the document.
After completing these steps, you will have a visually appealing bar graph in your Google Docs document that accurately represents your data.
What Happens After Completing the Action
After you’ve successfully inserted your bar graph into your Google Docs document, you can further edit and format the document as needed. The bar graph will update automatically if you make changes to the original data in Google Sheets.
Tips: How to Make a Bar Graph on Google Docs
- Ensure your data is well-organized and correctly formatted in Google Sheets for the best results.
- Use the chart editor to fully customize your bar graph to fit the style and tone of your document.
- Save your Google Sheets spreadsheet to update the bar graph easily if your data changes.
- Consider your audience when designing your bar graph – make it easy to understand and visually appealing.
- Experiment with different types of charts to see which best represents your data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a 3D bar graph on Google Docs?
Yes, you can make a 3D bar graph by selecting the 3D option in the chart editor in Google Sheets before copying it to Google Docs.
How do I update the bar graph in Google Docs if my data changes?
To update the bar graph, edit the data in the original Google Sheets spreadsheet, and the changes will automatically reflect in the bar graph in your Google Docs document.
Can I add a trendline to my bar graph?
Yes, you can add a trendline to your bar graph through the chart editor in Google Sheets. Select the “Customize” tab and find the “Trendline” option.
How do I change the color of the bars in my graph?
In the chart editor, click on the “Customize” tab, then select “Series.” Here, you can change the color of the bars.
Can I make a stacked bar graph on Google Docs?
Yes, you can create a stacked bar graph by selecting the stacked option in the chart editor in Google Sheets.
Summary
- Open Google Sheets.
- Input your data.
- Select the data for the bar graph.
- Insert the bar graph.
- Customize the bar graph.
- Insert the bar graph into Google Docs.
Conclusion
Creating a bar graph on Google Docs is a breeze once you get the hang of it. It’s all about organizing your data, making good use of Google Sheets, and letting your creativity flow when customizing your chart. Remember, the aim is to present your data in a clear, concise, and engaging way. Whether you’re a student working on a project, a professional presenting data, or just someone who loves to play around with numbers, a well-crafted bar graph can make all the difference. So go on, give it a try! You might just find that making a bar graph on Google Docs is not only easy but actually pretty fun too.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.