how to make a bar chart in google sheets / Step-by-step workflow

How to Make a Bar Chart in Google Sheets

In Google Sheets, select a category-value table, open Insert > Chart, then choose a bar chart or column chart from the Chart editor.

Start here Create a bar chart in Google Sheets from a simple table and choose the right orientation.

01

Prepare your table

Use one column for category labels and one or more numeric columns for values.
02

Insert the chart

Select the data, choose Insert, then Chart. In the Chart editor, switch the chart type to bar chart or column chart.
03

Choose bar or column orientation

Use horizontal bars for long labels and rankings. Use columns for short labels or simple time periods.
04

Clean up the result

Sort the source data, edit the chart title, adjust the legend, and check that labels are not crowded.

Copyable data

Use this starter table

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

category,value
Product A,120
Product B,95
Product C,140

Can Google Sheets make stacked bar charts?

Yes. Use multiple numeric series columns and choose a stacked bar or stacked column option in the Chart editor.

Should I use Google Sheets or an online bar chart maker?

Use Google Sheets when the chart belongs with a spreadsheet. Use an online maker when you need a quick visual or CSV preview.

Last updated: 2026-06-29