bar_chart_race / Step-by-step workflow

Bar Chart Race in Python with bar_chart_race

For Python, prepare a clean time-indexed dataset, preview it online, then use a library such as bar_chart_race when you need code-based rendering.

Start here Prepare CSV data for Python bar_chart_race workflows and preview the ranking animation first.

01

Start with clean CSV

Use consistent dates, numeric values, and stable category names. Do not fill missing values with zero unless zero is meaningful.
02

Convert to a DataFrame

Python workflows usually prefer wide data with dates as the index and categories as columns.
03

Preview before code rendering

The browser preview is useful for confirming rankings before you spend time configuring fonts, video codecs, or chart styling.

Copyable data

Use this starter table

Paste this into a spreadsheet or preview it in the chart tool before styling.

date,India,China,United States
2020,1396387127,1411100000,331526933
2021,1407563842,1412360000,332048977

Why preview before Python?

It catches data problems earlier and avoids debugging chart settings when the real issue is the CSV.

Does this site replace Python?

No. The MVP is a preview and data-prep helper, not a server-side video renderer.

Last updated: 2026-06-23