How to Make a Line Graph in Google Sheets [2024]

Understanding statistics and data sets can sometimes be a bit hard for people because it’s very difficult to imagine the fluctuations in data inside your head and analyze them. That’s where Line Graphs come in. You can insert them right within Google Sheets where your data is entered.

In this article, not only are we going to focus on what a line graph is, but we’ll also tell you how to create one in Google sheets using single as well as multiple data sets.

What is a Line Graph in Google Sheets?

A line graph, also known as a line chart, is a visual representation of data as a series of points connected by straight lines. Line graphs are easy to read and can be customized to fit your needs. They are ideal for showcasing patterns, relationships, and changes over time. By using line graphs, you can easily identify trends and make informed decisions based on the data in Google Sheets.

These kinds of charts can be used in multiple different scenarios. From Power Point presentations showing company growth to weather reports showing variation in daily temperatures, the applications are endless.

SEE ALSO: How To Make a Chart on Google Docs ➜

How do I Create a Line Graph With a Single Data Set?

We’re going to take a sample data set and use it to show you how to create a line chart. You can also use your own data and apply the same steps:

1. Suppose that we have daily average temperatures in a city for the month of May 2023.
   

   

2. Highlight the data cells to select the data for your Line Graph.
   

   

3. In the toolbar at the top of your Google Sheet, look for the icon that says Insert Chart.
   

   

4. A Line Graph is automatically plotted for your data.
   

   

5. You can modify the graph and customize it using the Setup and Customize section in Chart Editor.

How to Create a Line Graph with Multiple Data Sets?

Line graphs of multiple data sets offer you a more comprehensive and comparative view, allowing for easier analysis. It’s possible to create a line graph with more than one data set using the same steps as above:

1. In this example, we have temperatures of two different states in the US for the month of May.
   

   

2. Select all the data and find the button for Insert Chart in the toolbar. Click on it.
   

   

3. Google Sheets will insert a Line Graph representing our two data sets.
   

   

Different Kinds of Line Graphs in Google Sheets

There are three different types of Line Graphs you can create in Google Sheets: Regular, Smooth, and Combo. Each of these types has its own significance:

• Regular Line Graph – This is a standard line graph connected with straight lines. It is ideal for continuous data and to compare two or more items.
  

  

• Smooth Line Graph – It’s a “prettier” Line Chart with smoothed-out lines. It is considered less accurate than a regular line graph but is ideal for showing trends over time, especially with large data sets.
  

  

• Combo Line Graph – This one is a Histogram combined with a Line Chart. It’s particularly handy when you want to compare two different types of data.
  

  

If you want to change the type of Line Chart you have inserted in your Google Sheets, all you need to do is:

1. Go to the Chart Editor
2. Select Chart Type
3. Scroll down and fine “Line“
4. Choose any of the three options.

Some Important Parts of a Line Graph

In order to make a Line Graph that’s correct and not too basic, keep an eye on the following aspects of a Line Graph:

• Title
• The X and Y axes — Horizontal and Vertical Axis respectively
• Legend — Code that explains what each line represents.
• Grid
• Markers
• X and Y Labels

Customization in Line Graphs

Google Sheets allows you to not just add Line Charts, but also customize them to accurately show the information we want and, at the same time, look appealing to our eyes. Head over to the Chart Editor and click on Customize.

You can customize your Line Graph in a lot of different ways. We’ll list some things that you can change, but it all depends on your taste.

• Change the color of the lines.
• Change Titles and Labels.
• Change the font size and style for not just the title but for Labels and Legend as well.
• Make the text Italic or Bold.
• Add a background color to your chart and change the border colors too.
• Change the Axis Labels.
• Add Major and Minor Gridlines.
• Insert Trendline, Error Bars, and much more.

READ MORE: How to Use the SUM Function in Google Sheets ➜

Conclusion

While Google Sheets does let us create a Line Graph quickly and modify it in a few steps, it’s not the only option you have. There are alternatives to Google Sheets that not only let you manage your data easily but also create charts and figures that are much more appealing and customizable. If you have any queries that remain unresolved, leave us a comment below.