Waterfall charts

Use a waterfall chart to show how values add or subtract from a starting value. For example, show monthly net cash flow or quarterly budget changes.

Learn how to add & edit a chart.

How to format your data

  • First column: Enter a label for each row. Labels from the first column show on the horizontal axis.
  • Other columns: Enter numeric data. You can also add a category name (optional).
  • Rows: Each row represents a different bar on the chart.

If you enter 2 or more columns of numeric data, you can choose to see the data sequentially or stack it.

Tip: If the chart doesn’t show the data on the axis you want, learn how to switch rows and columns.

Examples

Annual revenue
Year Revenue
2013 $11,690
2014 -$2,350
2015 $15,467
2016 -$2,000
2017 $19,560
2018 -$5,970
Waterfall chart showing annual revenue

Make a copy

Quarterly income & expenses
Quarterly income & expenses  
Income $220,000
Wages -$87,500
Cost of production -$55,000
Taxes / fees -$33,000
Waterfall chart showing quarterly revenue and expenses

Make a copy

Customize a waterfall chart

  1. On your computer, open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
  2. Double-click the chart you want to change.
  3. At the right, click Customize.
  4. Choose an option:
    • Chart style: Change how the chart looks, or add and edit connector lines.
    • Chart & axis titles: Edit or format title text.
    • Series: Change column colors, add and edit subtotals and data labels.
    • Legend: Change legend position and text.
    • Horizontal axis: Edit or format axis text, or reverse axis order.
    • Vertical axis: Edit or format axis text, set min or max value, or log scale.
    • Gridlines: Add and edit gridlines.

Related articles

true
Visit the Learning Center

Using Google products, like Google Docs, at work or school? Try powerful tips, tutorials, and templates. Learn to work on Office files without installing Office, create dynamic project plans and team calendars, auto-organize your inbox, and more.

Search
Clear search
Close search
Google apps
Main menu
10135379894840426162
true
Search Help Center
true
true
true
true
true
35
false
false