How to Add Error Bars in Google Sheets

Adding error bars in Google Sheets is easy. See how to do it in just 3 steps!

How to Add Error Bars in Google Sheets

Error bars are a graphical representation that allows you to visualize the uncertainty and variability of your data. The bars represent either the standard deviation or standard error – this visualizes how a set of data is spread around the sample mean.

Error bars are helpful when trying to assess a model’s reliability or understand the difference between two data sets. This article shows you how to add error bars in Google Sheets.

Add error bars to a column chart in Google Sheets.

Generally, Error bars are added to column charts. First, insert a column chart using your data, then follow the below steps:

  1. Double-click on the chart. The “Chart editor” will appear on the right-hand side of the sheet. From the “Chart editor”, click on the Customize tab. Then, click on Series.

    Series
    Select the Series dropdown.

  2. Scroll down and enable the Error bars option. Next, choose the type of error bar (constant, percent, or standard deviation) and specify the value.
    Enable Error Bars
    Enable Error bars.

    The error bars will be displayed on your chart.

    Error Bars
    Error Bars are now displayed on your chart.

Phoebe is an HR assistant in her day job, but is also a web blogger that loves writing guides and sharing her experiences. When she is not out with her friends, she enjoys traveling or binge-watching Netflix. She graduated with a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Utah, and is a chief editor at TechObservatory.

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