How to make a line graph in Google Sheets
Learn how to build and customize a line graph in Google Sheets, from selecting data to styling axes, legends, and colors on the free plan.
Quick answer
Select your data range including headers, then click Insert in the menu bar and choose Chart. Google Sheets automatically builds a chart and opens the Chart editor panel—use the Chart type dropdown to select Line chart, then customize axis titles, colors, and legend position before closing the editor to finish.
Steps at a glance
- Select the data range you want to plot, including header row
- Click Insert > Chart to open the Chart editor
- Under Chart type, choose Line chart from the dropdown
- Customize colors, axis titles, and legend in the Customize tab
- Click outside the editor to insert the chart into your sheet
- Resize or move the chart as needed
Summary
A line graph connects data points with a continuous line, making it one of the clearest ways to visualize how a value changes over time. Google Sheets builds line graphs directly from your spreadsheet data with no extra software required, and the built-in Chart editor lets you fully customize colors, axes, and legends.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Organize your data in columns
Arrange your data with a header row, time-based or categorical labels in the first column, and numeric values in the columns to the right. If your raw data lives on a separate tab, you can /guides/google-sheets/add-a-new-sheet to keep it apart from your chart. Consistent formatting for dates and numbers helps Google Sheets read the data correctly and plot a smooth line.
Step 2
Select the data range
Click and drag to highlight all the cells you want in the graph, starting with the header row and label column. Make sure you include both the labels for the x-axis and the numeric values you want plotted as lines. If your dataset spans multiple non-adjacent columns, hold Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) while selecting.
Step 3
Insert the chart
With your data selected, click Insert in the top menu, then choose Chart from the dropdown list. Google Sheets analyzes your selection and inserts a chart onto the sheet, automatically opening the Chart editor panel on the right. This is the same starting point you'd use any time you /guides/google-sheets/create-a-chart, so the process will feel familiar.
Step 4
Switch to a line chart
In the Chart editor, click the Chart type dropdown near the top of the Setup tab. Scroll to the Line section and choose Line chart, Smooth line chart, or Stacked line chart depending on how you want the trend displayed. The chart on your sheet updates instantly to preview the change.
Step 5
Customize axis titles and series
Click the Customize tab in the Chart editor to adjust the chart title and axis titles. Under the Series section, change line colors, thickness, and point styles for each data series individually, which is useful when comparing multiple lines the same way you might style a /guides/google-sheets/make-a-bar-graph for clarity.
Step 6
Add or adjust the legend
Still in the Customize tab, open the Legend section to choose its position—bottom, top, left, right, or none—and adjust its font size or color. A clear legend helps viewers quickly match each line to its data series, especially in graphs tracking several metrics at once.
Step 7
Finalize and position the chart
Once you're happy with the styling, click the X in the top-right corner of the Chart editor to close it. Drag the chart by its edges to reposition it on the sheet, or drag a corner handle to resize it. The chart stays linked to your source data, so it updates automatically whenever you edit the underlying values.
Why this matters
You're tracking monthly sales, website traffic, or budget trends and need a clear visual that shows direction at a glance. A line graph turns rows of numbers into an easy-to-read trend, helping you spot spikes, dips, and patterns before presenting results to a team or client.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a line graph with multiple lines in Google Sheets?
Yes. Select multiple value columns alongside your label column before inserting the chart, and each column becomes its own line automatically with a distinct color and legend entry.
Is making a line graph free in Google Sheets?
Yes, charting tools including line graphs are fully available on the free Google Sheets plan tied to any Google account, with no upgrade or add-on required.
Can I use a line graph made in Sheets in other Google apps?
Yes. Google Sheets charts integrate directly with Google Docs and Slides—copy the chart and paste it into either app, and you can choose to link it back to the sheet so it updates automatically.
How do I change a line graph to a different chart type later?
Click the chart, select the three-dot menu in its top-right corner, choose Edit chart, then pick a new type from the Chart type dropdown in the Setup tab.
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