How to Add Error Bars in Google Sheets
Last Updated :
21 Jun, 2024
Google Sheets is the popular online spreadsheet editor from the house of Google. It provides a simple, decluttered interface and a wide range of features. Also, you can easily create charts and graphs in Google Sheets from the entered data.
In Google Sheets, adding error bars to your charts can significantly enhance your ability to analyze data and make informed decisions. Error bars are commonly used in various fields such as scientific research, finance, and quality control, where understanding the uncertainty and variability of data is essential. This article will discuss how to add error bars in Google Sheets.

What are Error Bars in Google Sheets?
Error bars in Google Sheets are graphical elements used in charts to visually represent the uncertainty or variability of data points. They help users understand the reliability and precision of measurements depicted in the chart. They extend from each data point to show the possible range within which the true value may lie, providing insights into data dispersion and confidence intervals.
How to Add Error Bars in Google Sheets
It is very simple to add error bars in Google Sheets. The option to enable the error bar in Google Sheets is present in the Customise tab of the Chart editor of Google Sheets. The step-by-step procedure to add error bars in Google Sheets is given below.
Step 1: Highlight the data to be included
Open the spreadsheet to which you want to add the chart. Then, select the data to be included in the chart.
Highlight the dataStep 2: In the File Menu Select Insert followed by Chart
After selecting the data, click on the Insert from the top bar and then click on the Chart from the Insert menu. It will insert a chart corresponding to the selected data.
Insert chartStep 3: Go to the Customise Tab in the Chart Editor and Click Series
Now, a chart will be inserted and on the right side, you can see Chart Editor. From the chart editor, open the Customise tab and click on series to expand the series menu.
Open series menuStep 4: Select the Checkbox Next to Error Bars in the Series Dropdown Menu
Scroll down a little in the series menu and find a checkbox option named "Error bars". Then select the checkbox next to "Error bars" to enable the error bar in the chart.
Enable error barsStep 5: Set the Error Bar Type and Value Input
After enabling the Error bars, you can choose the type of error bar and set the value of the error bar. The option for selecting types and setting values will appear right below the error bar checkbox after you enable it.
Note: By default, the error bar type is Percentage, clicking on it will show a dropdown menu consisting of four options: None, Percentage, Constant, and Standard deviation. You can require an error bar type from the dropdown menu.
Set error bar type and valueStep 6: Preview Error Bars on the Column Chart
Now you can see the chart with an error bar enabled in it.
Chart with error barsHow to Add Vertical/Horizontal Error Bars In Google Sheets
To add an error bar in vertical or horizontal charts, the same method described above is used. If you want to add a vertical error bar in Google Sheets,
- Insert a vertical chart,
- Go to the chart editor and enable the error bar.
Chart with vertical error barSimilarly, to add a horizontal error bar in Google Sheets,
- Insert a horizontal chart,
- Go to the chart editor and enable the error bar.
Chart with horizontal error barHow to Add Error Bars To a Column Chart in Excel
Microsoft Excel is also a feature-rich tool for making spreadsheets. Unlike Google Sheets, which is online-only, Excel is available online and offline. It is very easy to enable error bars in Excel. The step-by-step procedure to enable error bars in Excel is given below.
Step 1: Select the Chart and Add the Error Bar
Open your Excel file and select a column chart. Then click on the "Plus" button to open the chart elements menu. On the chart elements list, you can see the checkbox option next to "Error bars". Click on it to enable the error bars in the edge.
Add error bar in ExcelStep 2: Open More Options
Now, to modify the values of the error bar, select the arrow next to "Error Bars" and then select more options. You can also change the error bar type from the same menu.
Open "More options" of the Error barStep 3: Set the Error Bar Types and Value
Now you can see the Format options of the error bar on the right side of the window. There you can find the options to change the type of error bars and also options to set the value of error. Select your desired error bar type and value.
Modify error bar type and valueStep 4: Error bars are displayed
Now you can see the error bar in your chart in Microsoft Excel.
Column chart with error bar in ExcelTypes of Error Bars in Google Sheets
There are three types of error bars in Google Sheets. They are explained below:
1. Percentage Error Bar
In percentage error bars, a specific percentage of a data point is considered a possible error, and it is marked. For instance, if a 10% error is specified for a value of 50, the error bar would extend from 45 to 55 (90% to 110% of the value).
2. Constant Error Bar
In constant error bars, a specific value is considered an error. For example, if 5 is considered a constant error for a value of 100, then the error bar is drawn for ±5. That is, the error bar is drawn from 95-105.
3. Standard deviation Error Bar
Error bars based on standard deviation measure the average amount of variation or dispersion from the mean. They show how much individual data points differ from the average value of the dataset.
4. Custom Values Error Bar
Users can manually input specific values for error bars, allowing for precise customization based on particular data characteristics or requirements.
Practical Applications of Error Bars
Here are some Practical Applications of Error Bars:
- Scientific Research: Error bars in scientific research charts indicate the variability or uncertainty of experimental results, aiding in data interpretation and hypothesis testing.
- Financial Analysis: In finance, error bars help visualize the range of possible outcomes or predictions, providing insights into market volatility or investment risk.
- Quality Control: Error bars in manufacturing or quality control charts highlight variation in product specifications, guiding decisions to maintain consistency and quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Error bars play an important role in charts and graphs. It shows the possible error or uncertainty of a measurement. And you can use Google Sheets to easily add error bars to your graphs. We hope the article was insightful for you, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
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