1. Efficient column charts
So far, you have created a basic column chart on the same page as your unformatted, or dirty data. It works, but so much irrelevant data is displayed. Let's look at how to show a column chart on your dashboard without displaying the data.
2. Tables and lists
Although your data is optimized, and you won't need to make changes to it, it is smart to have sheets in your workbook where all your tables, lists, and data are kept.
A table is related data stored in columns and rows. A list is the term used if you want to manage, or analyze a smaller set or sets of data independently from your larger dataset. You should have sheets for your tables, lists, and data, and a separate sheet for the dashboard.
3. Non-contiguous data
You will plot shark fatalities, injured and non-injured statistics of people across the Australian States over the last 100 years.
You can easily select different ranges that are non-contiguous, or not adjacent to each other, by highlighting your first cell or cells, holding down the Ctrl key, and selecting any other cell or cells you want in your range. This not only works when you want to create a chart, it also allows you to select any desired ranges and apply formatting at the same time. Once you select your data, you can create your chart.
4. Changing the chart
When you create your chart, Sheets will display the type of chart that it suggests for your data selection. In this case, it appears as a stacked column chart on the same page as your data. You would then cut and paste your chart into your Dashboard, where you can place it anywhere on the page and make changes to it.
Changing the Chart type is easy! Start by double-clicking the chart to bring up the Chart editor menu to the right of your screen. It's the first option on the Data tab.
Hover your mouse over the charts so you can move through the list and see which chart types are available.
5. Formatting the chart
Make sure that your charts and datasets have headings. As you add more visualizations to your dashboard, you will need to make sure your message remains clear. Remember, you want your chart to stand out, but too many whistles and bells can blur the message.
Use the Chart editor's Customize tab to easily edit other options, including the Chart style, background, chart and axis titles, series, legend, horizontal and vertical axis, and gridlines. For instance, to change the series color, click the bars of the series you wish to change, and in the menu that displays on the right, you will see the paint pot with a drop-down arrow to the right to allow color selection.
We will look at all of these options in more detail later.
6. The finished product
Once you master the Chart editor, you will have the tools to ensure your charts give the maximum impact to your viewers.
7. Time to practice!
Let's practice creating and changing a column chart from a dataset for your dashboard!