Graphs and Spreadsheets

Graphs can be easily generated in Google Sheets to help present collected and processed data. Below are the general steps to generate graphs using Google Sheets.

Scatter Graphs

Enter the independent variable into one column. Enter the corresponding dependent variable into the adjacent column.
Highlight all of the data, including the headings.
Insert → Chart. Select 'Scatter chart', if necessary.
Under 'Setup', make sure 'Use row # as headers' and 'Use column _ as labels' are selected.
Select 'Customize'.
Select 'Chart and axis titles'. Change the name of the title to reflect the data. Change the horizontal and vertical axes to the measured variables, if necessary.
Select 'Series'. Select 'Trendline'. Under 'Label', select 'Use equation'. Select 'Show R2'.

Bar Charts

Calculate the mean and SD for each category.
Organize the data using the image on the right. DO NOT add a heading to the measurement column.
Highlight all of the data.
Insert → Chart. Select 'Column chart', if necessary.
At the bottom of the 'Setup' tab, select all three options
Select 'Customize'.
Select 'Chart and axis titles'. Change the name of the title to reflect the data.
Select 'Vertical axis title'. Change the vertical axes to the measured variable including the unit.
Select 'Legend'. Change the position to 'Right'.
Select 'Series'. Under 'Apply to all series', select the first category. Scroll down and select 'Error bars'. Under 'Type', select 'Constant'. Enter the SD for the category.
Repeat Step #10 for the other category.
For each series, the fill colors can be changed. If the graphs are to be printed, a gray-scale should be used.

Copy and Paste the Graph to a Document or Presentation

Select the graph
Edit --> Copy
Navigate to the document or presentation where the graph is to be pasted.
Edit --> Paste
An option will appear to have the graph either linked to the original spreadsheet or to have the graph unlinked. Linking to the original spreadsheet will allow any changes made in the spreadsheet to be updated in the document or presentation without the need to repeat the copy and paste process. Pasting an unlinked graph will require the copy and paste process to be repeated. Once the decision has been made, select Paste.

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