How to add a legend to a chart in Google Sheets
Learn how to add, edit, and reposition a legend on any Google Sheets chart using the Chart editor's Customize tab.
Quick answer
Google Sheets automatically adds a legend when you insert a chart from data with headers. To add or fix one, double-click the chart, open Chart editor, go to Customize tab, expand the Legend section, and choose a position. Ensure your data range includes header labels so entries display correctly.
Steps at a glance
- Select your data range including the header row.
- Insert a chart via Insert menu > Chart.
- Double-click the chart to open Chart editor.
- Click Customize tab, then expand Legend section.
- Choose a legend position from the dropdown menu.
- Adjust legend font, size, or color if needed.
- Click outside the editor to save your changes.
Summary
A legend tells viewers what each color, line, or bar in a chart represents, making your data instantly easier to interpret. Google Sheets usually generates a legend automatically based on your column headers, but you can add, reposition, or restyle it anytime through the Chart editor.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Select your data range with headers
Highlight the cells you want charted, making sure to include the header row above each column since Google Sheets uses these labels to generate legend entries automatically. Skipping the header row is the most common reason a legend ends up missing or mislabeled.
Step 2
Insert a chart from your data
Click the Insert menu, then select Chart. Google Sheets analyzes your selected range and builds a chart, often with a legend already included along the bottom or side. If you haven't built a chart yet, see the full walkthrough on how to /guides/google-sheets/create-a-chart for setup details.
Step 3
Open the Chart editor
Double-click anywhere on the chart to reopen the Chart editor panel on the right side of your screen. This panel controls every visual element of the chart, including titles, axes, colors, and the legend.
Step 4
Go to the Customize tab
At the top of the Chart editor, click the Customize tab next to Setup. Scroll down until you find the Legend section, then click it to expand the available options.
Step 5
Choose a legend position
Use the Position dropdown to place the legend at the bottom, top, left, right, or as labeled entries directly on the chart. Selecting None hides the legend entirely if you'd rather label data points manually or with a text box.
Step 6
Format the legend's appearance
Within the same Legend section, adjust the Font size, Text color, and Format (bold or italic) to match your chart's overall style. These settings update the legend in real time so you can preview changes before closing the editor.
Step 7
Save and close the editor
Click the X in the top-right corner of the Chart editor panel to close it. Your legend settings save automatically, and the chart updates immediately within your sheet.
Why this matters
You've built a chart to share in a report or presentation, but the audience can't tell which line or bar matches which data series. Adding a clear legend removes that confusion instantly, so anyone viewing your spreadsheet understands the chart without needing you to explain it.
Frequently asked questions
Does every chart type in Google Sheets support a legend?
Most chart types, including bar, line, and pie charts, support legends through the same Customize tab process. Some simple chart types, like scorecards, don't use legends since they display a single value.
Can I edit the exact text shown in the legend?
Yes. Since legend entries pull directly from your header row, editing the text in that header cell updates the legend label automatically without needing to touch the Chart editor.
Why does my legend keep disappearing after I edit the data?
This usually happens when the chart's data range no longer includes the header row, often after inserting or deleting columns. Reopen Chart editor, click Setup, and adjust the data range to include headers again.
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