The Best Chart Templates in Google Sheets

GiGiKing·March 27, 2024·0 comments

Are you tired of struggling to visualize complex data or lengthy information? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to create effective charts using Google Sheets. We’ll start by discussing the essential design elements for creating impactful charts. Then, we’ll provide concrete examples of chart templates that you can download for free from Crawlan.com and use for your own projects. Get ready to level up your charting skills!

Elements of a Good Chart

A well-designed chart visually communicates the relationship between ideas, variables, or information that can be compared. However, many chart creators often fail to achieve this. To help you avoid this pitfall, we’ll share the five key elements that can transform any chart design. Study these characteristics carefully so you can incorporate them into your own chart designs.

  1. Organized layout: A chart with a clean and organized layout is easier to read and understand. Arrange all textual and visual elements logically, without overwhelming the reader’s eyes.

  2. Clear labels: Another crucial aspect of a readable and effective chart design is the use of clear labels. Properly identify the x and y axes variables (especially when creating bar charts) as they are essential for making sense of the chart.

  3. Accurate descriptions or legends: In addition to clear labels, an effective chart should be accompanied by accurate descriptions or legends. The explanations should be concise and straightforward.

  4. Readable font choice: Integrating a good font can enhance the comprehension of any chart design. Choose easily readable font styles and pay attention to their size, spacing, and overall style. For example, if you’re using a Gantt chart for an important professional presentation, opt for bold and clean fonts. Avoid cursive fonts as they can appear unprofessional and are difficult to read from a distance.

  5. Appealing color combination: To make your chart design visually appealing, use colors wisely. Choose a color combination that highlights your chart without overshadowing the content.

By keeping these design elements in mind, you can create significantly improved chart designs. When done correctly, you’ll have a chart that is easy to understand, allowing you to express your ideas or showcase your knowledge with conviction and credibility.

Over 10 Chart Templates in Google Sheets

When you explore the free and paid chart templates in Google Sheets format below, you’ll simplify your reporting and note-taking. Each printable template is fully customizable, meaning you can adapt them to fit the needs of your business or organization.

  • Chart Behavior Template
  • Basic Gantt Chart Example
  • Comparison Chart Template
  • Flow Chart Example
  • Goal Chart Template
  • Organizational Chart Example
  • PERT Chart Template
  • Gantt Chart for Project Management
  • Example Gantt Chart Template
  • Simple Monthly Gantt Chart Template
  • Weekly Gantt Chart Template

How to Create an Excellent Chart

Whether you’re creating your own chart design or using a pre-made chart template, knowing the proper steps in the chart creation process is essential. That’s why we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide on how to create your own chart designs.

  1. Determine the type of chart you want to create based on the information or dataset you want to simplify.
  2. Gather all the raw data needed for the chart and save it in a separate folder.
  3. Compile all graphic elements, header designs, layout styles, and text placeholders.
  4. Open Google Sheets or any other compatible word processing and spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Word.
  5. Create a new blank template and combine all design and text elements to create a readable chart design.
  6. Alternatively, you can download and use a preformatted chart template.
  7. Make any necessary modifications to the template until you’re satisfied with the design.
  8. Save the final chart design and integrate it into your project, written report, or other documents.
  9. Alternatively, print the chart design if you need a physical version.

What to Include in a Chart?

A good chart design contains comprehensive information while remaining visually appealing. The previous section of this article provided tips on how to improve any chart design. In this section, we’ve listed the most important elements that every chart should include.

  • Brand elements (if creating charts for a company or organization)
  • Clear list of variables
  • Appropriate labels
  • Concise explanations or legends
  • Accurate ratios and proportions (when creating pie charts or bar charts)
  • Bibliography (or link) to the study or research results that generated those findings or generalizations

Types of Charts

Below, we have listed different types of charts based on the information they represent. Each chart type links to downloadable chart templates.

  • Gantt Charts
  • Seating Charts
  • Bar Charts
  • Flow Charts
  • Timeline Charts
  • Organizational Charts

FAQs about Charts

What is a Google Sheets chart template?

A Google Sheets chart template is a preformatted document used to create chart designs. It includes all the necessary layouts, typography, images, color palettes, and formatting instructions for creating a chart design. Templates created using Google Sheets can be exported and edited using other spreadsheet and word processing software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Apple Numbers.

Are organizational charts and flow charts the same thing?

At first glance, these two charts may appear identical, but that’s where their similarity ends. Flow charts are used to represent a set of steps or the sequence of actions required to accomplish a process or task.

On the other hand, an organizational chart only shows the hierarchy or relationship of objects, people, or variables to each other. This type of chart is commonly used as a visual representation of the structure of a company, business, or organization.

For more comprehensive guides on creating various business documents and chart templates, be sure to check out the rest of our website. You can also learn more about best practices in creating different types of design templates by reading our blog on Crawlan.com.

More Articles on Charts

Note: This article has been adapted for the brand Bolamarketing.com and includes a hyperlink to Crawlan.com.

GiGiKing

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