Bar graph
A bar graph can place categories on either axis. Horizontal bars are especially useful when category names are long or when ranked comparisons need more room.
Bar Graph Maker
Create a bar graph online for free with no signup. Enter, paste, or upload category data and compare multiple numeric series in a clear grouped chart.
- ✓ Free
- ✓ No signup
- ✓ No watermark
- ✓ Data stays in your browser
Graph editor
Loading your locally saved graph…
How to make a bar graph
- 1
Add categories and values
Type into the sample table, paste spreadsheet data, or upload a CSV or Excel file.
- 2
Compare one or more series
Keep category names in the first column and add a numeric column for each measure you want to compare.
- 3
Customize and export
Edit the title, axes, colors, labels, and orientation, then download the graph as PNG or SVG.
What is a bar graph?
A bar graph compares numeric values across distinct categories. Each bar starts from a common baseline, so differences in length or height are easy to compare.
When the table contains multiple numeric columns, this bar graph creator places the series side by side as grouped bars. That makes related measures such as sales and profit readable without stacking their values.
Example bar graph data
The first column supplies category labels. Every following numeric column becomes a separate grouped bar series.
| Category | Sales | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 120 | 32 |
| Feb | 180 | 49 |
| Mar | 240 | 71 |
| Apr | 210 | 63 |
Bar Graph vs Column Chart
The terms are often used interchangeably, but orientation is the practical distinction most people mean.
Column chart
A column chart is a vertical bar graph: categories run along the horizontal axis and values rise upward. The default editor view uses this familiar layout.
When to use a bar graph
Bar graphs work best when you need to compare amounts across separate names, groups, or time periods.
Compare categories
Show differences between products, regions, teams, survey answers, or other named groups.
Compare several measures
Place related series such as sales and profit next to each other for each category.
Present discrete periods
Compare totals for months, quarters, or years when the emphasis is on separate values rather than a continuous trend.
Bar graph maker features
Grouped comparisons
Display multiple numeric columns side by side for every category.
Automatic series legend
Use actual column headers to identify each series when the table contains more than one.
Live updates
See the graph change immediately as you edit, paste, or replace table values.
Readable large datasets
Reduce crowded axis ticks and hide value labels automatically when the table grows.
CSV and Excel import
Upload CSV or XLSX files, or paste directly from Excel and Google Sheets.
PNG and SVG export
Download a clean graph for reports, presentations, and assignments.
Related graph makers
Bar graph maker FAQ
Answers to common questions about creating grouped bar graphs from category data.
Is this bar graph maker free?
Yes. This free bar graph maker works in your browser without signup and exports graphs without a watermark.
How should I arrange bar graph data?
Put category names in the first column and one or more numeric series in the columns that follow. The online bar graph maker detects that structure automatically.
Can I create grouped bars with multiple series?
Yes. Add multiple numeric columns and the bar graph generator displays them as grouped bars with a legend based on your column headers.
Can I import data from Excel or CSV?
Yes. Paste a table copied from a spreadsheet or upload CSV and XLSX files. Your data is processed locally in the browser.
What happens with a large dataset?
Value labels are hidden automatically when a dataset has more than 15 categories, reducing overlap while tooltips keep individual values available.