How to make line graphs in Google Sheets (Easy steps)

Google Sheets is an excellent data-saving tool for businesses, companies, organizations, or schools. When you put Google Sheets and line graphs together, they create perfect work. Line graphs are handy if you want to sum up your data. 

You should never underestimate the practical usage of Google Sheets. As long as you know how to use Google Sheets effectively, you can boost your success. In our article, we have gathered the basic steps to show you how to create a line chart in Google Sheets. Also, you can find frequently asked questions about the topic to understand better!

What is a line graph in Google Sheets?

Google Sheets line chart or line graph is a vertical axis or horizontal axis that visualizes the changes in the data sets. Line graphs include various sets of data to show the difference between the data or prove the change throughout time or variables. 

Types of line graphs

There are 3 types of graphs to illustrate the data. Each of them might have a different strong side to choose from. Therefore, based on your data, the type of line matters, and you need to choose the right one according to your data. So, have a look at the line graph types:

Simple line graph

Multiple line graph

Compound line graph

Why use line graphs in Google Sheets?

As it is obvious from the definition of the term, line graphs are the perfect tool to visualize your data. With its user-friendly and easy-to-understand features, line graphs have many advantages for you. If you are curious about why you should use line graphs in Google Sheets, here are some essential reasons:

For all these reasons, you should realize the power of the line graphs. If you are convinced enough, look at how to make a line graph online in Google Sheets.

How to create line graphs in Google Sheets

As long as you follow some definite and easy steps, it is easy to create line graphs in Google Sheets. If you want to empower your Google Sheet with a well-organized insert chart, you need to follow the instructions given below step by step:

1. Open Google Sheets

Google Sheets dashboard

In the first step, you need to sign in to your existing Google account, or if you do not have any, you can create one and continue. Then, open Google Sheets to view the specific sheet you want to transform into a smooth line chart.

💡 If you are using forms.app, you can transfer your data instantly with Google Sheets thanks to the integration. 

2. Select the data

Select the data range for the graph

You must choose the data you need to transform into a graph line before continuing. You can also press “CTRL”+ “A” (“Cmd ⌘” + “A” for Mac) on the keyboard.

3. Create your line graph

Click Insert then Chart to create your line graph

Click on the Insert tab, and you will see the Chart option. You can simply click on the Chart tab, leading to the Insert Chart Menu. 

💡Shortcut: You can directly choose “Insert Chart” from the toolbar. 

4. Customize your graph

Edit your line graph under the Setup and Customize tabs

Choose Customize from the Chart editor. In this drop-down menu, you can easily change the chart style. From the Chart editor, you can edit the Setup and customize the look of your chart as you wish, from the background color to the font.

5. Share your Google Sheets

Download options for your chart

Download the chart as PNG, PDF, or Scalable Vector Graphics. Also, you can share the Google Sheet with your target. 

Bonus: Using the Sparkline function to create line graphs

By using a Google Sheets formula, you can also simply create a small line chart in a single cell. With the help of the SPARKLINE function, you can sum various data in a single cell. If you want to use the function, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Click on any blank cell and decide which cells you want to create a column.

Select any blank cell you want to create a line chart

2. You need to type =SPARKLINE(value1:value2)

3. To illustrate, if you want to see a chart in a single cell, you type =SPARKLINE(B2:F2). When you press the enter key, you will see a small chart in the cell.

Frequently asked questions about Google Sheets line graphs

Key points to take away

To wrap it all up, line graphs are a really useful tool to sum up your data. As long as you know how to use them efficiently, line graphs will professionalize your sheets. In our article, we prepared a guideway to share the definition of line graphs, why you need them, and how to make line graphs in Google Sheets with easy steps, faqs, and more!