This guide demos how to create a bar chart in Excel and Google Sheets. A bar chart is used to visually compare values across categories.
Representing data in charts makes it easier to understand trends and make important business decisions.
Option 1: Create a Bar Chart in Excel
To create a bar chart in Excel you need a set of data. I will use the data in the Excel sheet below for my demo in this guide.
Here are the steps to create a bar chart in Excel with this data.
- Highlight all the data you wish to use (including the headers).
- Then click Insert tab..
- When you click Insert tab, a drop-down with additional options will be displayed. Look for the Charts group (see the image below)…
- Then, within the Charts group, click the bar chart icon (highlight in the image below – the smaller box).
- Finally, click on the bar chart type you wish to use. When you click on a bar chart type, Excel will display the chart beneath.
- Move the bar chart away from your raw data.
Option 2: Create a Bar Chart in Google Sheets
The Google Sheets in the image below contains the data I will use for the demo in this guide.
Here are the steps to create a bar chart in Google Sheets:
- Highlight the whole data in Google Sheets (including the headers).
- With the data highlighted, click Insert tab.
- Then click Charts.
- By default Google Sheets will insert a Line chart. To change the chart type, click the drop-down beside Line chart. Then scroll down and click on one of the Bar charts.
- To close the chart insertion tool, click the x sign.
- Then drag the bar chart away from your raw data…
I mentioned at the beginning of this guide that a chart makes it easier to understand trends and make better business decisions.
From the bar chart above, you can make a visual comparison of all the sales data.
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