Difference Between Graphs Vs Charts In Google Sheets
The difference between graphs vs charts in Google Sheets is that graphs help display how one variable impacts the other. On the other hand, charts help in translating our data into visual format, which is more understandable.
Users can utilize the graphs vs charts in Google Sheets to decide what best fits their requirements. They can opt for graphs when their requirements are in the fields such as Science and Mathematics. However, charts are a better alternative when their requirements are in the fields such as Business and Marketing.
For example, assume we have a source dataset showing the advertisement costs and the sales they help generate at a firm.
We must analyze how the advertisement costs impact the firm’s sales.
Then, considering the graphs vs charts in Google Sheets definition, the ideal solution is to plot a graph, such as a Scatter plot, as shown above. The Scatter plot, which is similar to Excel Scatter Plot, visually shows how the sales at the firm vary with the advertisement costs the company bears. The upward trend implies that the more the company spends on ads, the more sales it generates.
On the other hand, let us consider another dataset. It shows the sales contributions of various branch offices of a venture in percentages.
We must analyze the given data quickly and more understandably.
Then, considering the graphs vs charts in Google Sheets definition, we can plot a chart, such as a Pie chart, as shown above. The Pie chart, which is similar to Excel Pie chart, shows how the given data fits together. We can quickly infer which branch offices contribute the maximum to the venture’s sales and which contribute the least.
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Key Takeaways
- When we do a comparison of graphs vs charts in Google Sheets, we find that a graph is a diagram illustrating the relationship between variables, along two axes at right angles. In contrast, a chart is a graphical depiction of data that converts the given dataset into visual components, which makes the data easily interpretable.
- While we can use charts such as Line and Scatter to plot graphs in Google Sheets, we can use charts such as Pie, Column, and Bar to plot charts in Google Sheets.
- When we compare graphs vs charts in Google Sheets, we see that we can plot graphs in Google Sheets when working with Mathematical and Scientific data. On the other hand, we can use charts in Google Sheets to represent Business and Marketing data graphically in presentations.
What Is A Graph In Google Sheets?
A graph in Google Sheets is a diagram displaying the relationship between variables.
It is best to plot a graph when we have two variables, which we can plot on vertical and horizontal axes. On the other hand, a graph is helpful when we must find the correlation and patterns between two entities. Also, a graph helps visually display massive datasets in an uncluttered way.
Graph Example
The source dataset shows the prices of two stocks from Jan-Jun.
We must find the correlation between the prices of the two stocks, which we can do using a Line plot in Google Sheets.
Step 1: Select the range B1:C7 and choose the Insert tab – Chart option.
Step 2: The Setup tab in the Chart editor appears on the right of the workspace. Here, we must click the Chart type field dropdown button to set the field as the Line chart. Please note that this specific chart is the equivalent of the Excel Line Chart.
The Setup tab shows a few more setting options, which we shall not change as they meet our requirements.
Step 3: Select the Customize tab to open it. Click the Chart & axis titles section to access the options in the section.
Set the first field as the Chart title and update the required chart title in the Title text option.
Next, we shall use the Title format options to format the chart title.
Finally, close the Chart editor and resize the chart box to view the required graph based on the source data.
The graph suggests that the prices of the two stocks vary linearly.
What Is A Chart In Google Sheets?
A chart in Google Sheets is a graphical representation of data that translates the given dataset into visual components, which makes the data easily understandable.
They use pictures like bars to represent the raw data. It makes data representation comparisons more straightforward. Moreover, graphs are best suitable for depicting survey results and summaries graphically.
Chart Example
The source dataset shows the date-wise website visitors by various web traffic sources.
The better way to analyze the source dataset is to plot a Clustered Column chart in Google Sheets, which is similar to the Excel Clustered Column chart, to represent each component of the raw data visually.
Step 1: Select the data range A2:D7 and choose the Insert tab – Chart option.
Step 2: The Setup tab in the Chart editor will show on the right of the workspace. Here, we must click the Chart type field dropdown button to set the field as the Column chart. Please note that this particular plot is similar to the Column chart in Excel.
The Setup tab shows additional setting options, which we shall not change as they meet our requirements.
Step 3: Select the Customize tab to access it. Click the Chart & axis titles section to use the options in the section.
Set the first field as the Chart title and update the required chart title in the Title text option.
Next, we shall update the required Title format options to format the chart title.
Next, set the first field as the Vertical axis title and update the Title text option with the required vertical axis text.
Finally, set the first field as the Horizontal axis title and update the Title text option with the required horizontal axis text.
Finally, close the Chart editor and resize the chart box to view the required chart based on the source data.
The Column chart enables us to determine the web traffic sources that got more visitors to the website, which helps us make informed decisions.
Graphs Vs Charts In Google Sheets – Key Differences
The key differences between graphs vs charts in Google Sheets are as follows:
- The key difference is that a graph is a diagram depicting the interrelationships between 2 or more entities using distinct lines and dots. In comparison, a chart graphically depicts the raw data in the form of bars and pie slices.
- While all graphs are charts, all charts are not graphs.
- While graphs help in identifying trends in the given data, charts help depict categories of data in a plot format.
- Graphs denote the mathematical relationships between the different variables. In contrast, charts graphically denote how the given data fits together.
- Graphs are best for numerical data and understanding how different entities interact. On the flip side, charts are best for comparing different parts of the source data, with better flexibility.
Graphs Vs Charts In Google Sheets Comparative Table
The comparative table for graphs vs charts in Google Sheets is as follows:
| Basis | Graphs | Charts |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A graph is a plot that depicts the mathematical relationship between different data sets by plotting them in the horizontal and vertical axes. | A chart represents the given data as a diagram, table, or plot, making the data easily understandable. |
| Main Goal | Graphs show how different entities are related or vary with each other. | Charts make it easy to compare different datasets. |
| Subset | All graphs are charts. We can use any chart type to prepare a graph. | All charts are not graphs. It implies that there are charts that cannot be considered as graphs. |
| Data Analyzed | Graphs can be used for visually depicting patterns and changes in the dataset. | Charts are best for depicting data categorized into smaller, understandable components. |
| Usage | Graphs are helpful for analyzing raw data and numbers in fields such as Mathematics and Science. | Charts find applications in business presentations for depicting survey results and broader summaries. |
| Trend Analysis | A graph is best for reviewing trends between two variables. | Charts are not suitable for analyzing trends between two variables. |
| Options | We can use Line and Scatter charts to plot graphs. | We can use Column, Bar, and Pie charts to plot charts. |
| User Interaction | Graphs might need more time to be understood and interpreted. | Charts are easier to interpret. |
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