You can use a double bar graph to plot two sets of data with the same parameters. This makes it simple to compare the data visually.
It only takes a few clicks to make one of these charts in Google Sheets.
Read on to learn how to make a double bar graph in Google Sheets with an easy-to-follow example and step-by-step instructions.
Table of Contents
What is a Double Bar Graph?
A double bar graph has two sets of parallel data next to each other on the same axis’. If you’re looking for the type of bar graph that stacks the data on top of each other, check out our guide that features stacked bar charts instead.
Technically, a bar chart uses horizontal meters. Those with vertical markers are referred to as column charts. But, many people call both types of graphs bar charts. They’re both adept at showing similar information, so feel free to use column charts interchangeably with bar charts.
How to Create a Double Bar Graph In Google Sheets
It’s quite straightforward to make double bar graphs in Google Sheets. Let’s go through the steps as simply as possible with a double bar graph example so you can make your own charts with ease.
Step 1: Create or find a set of data and highlight it
Step 2:Â Navigate to the Charts shortcut in the toolbar and click it. A Chart editor menu will pop up on the right side of the page.
Step 3: Make sure you’re in the Setup tab of the Chart editor, then click on the Chart type drop-down menu and select Bar chart.
Optional:Â You can go into the customize tab of the Chart editor to change headings, titles, colors, axis, etc.
Alternatively, you can just double click on the part of the chart you want to edit while the chart editor is open, and it will automatically show the options for that part.
For example, we clicked on the title in the screenshot below and it opened the Chart and axis titles options in the Customize tab. This can be handy if you want to rename the chart or remove certain titles manually.
Double Bar Graph Google Sheets Notes
- Make sure you don’t accidentally click on the Stacked bar chart option, as it will not display the data the way you want it to.
- If you want to bars to be vertical instead, select the Column graph option rather than choosing Bar chart.
- You can also open the chart menu by navigating to Insert > Chart instead of using the shortcut in the toolbar.
Making Double Bar Graphs In Google Sheets FAQ
How Do I Make a Double Bar Graph in Google Sheets?
Making a double bar graph in Google Sheets only requires the following three simple steps:
- Highlight the data you want to make a double bar graph from (make sure there are two sets of data that will fit under each title—compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges)
- Click the Chart shortcut in the Google Sheets toolbar
- In the Setup tab of the Chart editor, change the Chart type drop-down menu option to Bar chart.
What Is Meant by Double Bar Graph?
A double bar graph shows and compares two sets of data for the same data points. For example, you could use them to show product sales from two stores by having them represented by bars for each store side by side.
What Does a Double Bar Graph Look Like?
A double bar graph has one or several comparable data points from two sources side by side vertically, like the following example.
How Do You Use a Double Bar Graph?
You should use a double bar graph when you need to draw specific comparisons between two sources. They need to have matching data points so you can place the bars next to each other under the category or title.
Can You Add More Than Two Comparison Bars to a Bar Chart?
Yes, you can add several more bars if you want to. Let’s take another look at our example above but add some more data points from other stores.
You just have to follow the same steps as creating a double bar chart to create a bar chart with multiple groups like the one above.
Wrapping Up
The above example shows how to make a bar graph in Google Sheets with only three easy steps. If you have any questions about this article or want to know more, let us know in the comments. If you found this article useful, we have plenty of other charting guides for you to browse. Check them out below.
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