How to Switch X and Y Axis in Google Sheets (2024 Update)

Switch the X and Y Axis in Google Sheets

Follow the steps below to switch the X and Y axis in Google Sheets for better data representation.

1. Open Chart Document in Google Sheets

Navigate to Google Sheets and open the document containing the chart you need to edit. Ensure that the chart is already created along with its corresponding data set.

2. Click on Chart Needing Axis Modification

In your document, locate and click on the specific chart you want to modify. This action will open the Chart editor sidebar on the right, showing various editing options.

3. Access 'Setup' Tab in Chart Editor

In the Chart editor sidebar, click on the 'Setup' tab. This section contains a range of options that allow you to customize the basic settings of your chart, including data range and chart type. Choose a chart type from the dropdown menu that supports axis switching, such as Column, Bar, or Line charts. Remember, not all chart types can have their axes switched.

4. Go to 'Customize' Tab for Advanced Settings

Switch to the 'Customize' tab in the Chart editor. Here, you will find more advanced customization options for your chart, including the style, layout, and specific axis settings. Scroll down to locate the 'Horizontal axis' and 'Vertical axis' sections. Here, you can adjust settings such as axis labels, text font, and the range of values displayed.

5. Manually Swap Data Ranges to Switch Axes

Return to the 'Setup' tab and manually adjust the data ranges for the X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) axes to switch them.

You can also change the chart type to one that naturally swaps the axes, like switching from a Column to a Bar chart.

6. Update Axis Titles and Labels for New Orientation

After swapping the axes, it's important to update the titles and labels of each axis to reflect the new orientation. Under 'Customise,' select 'Chart and axis titles' to edit the title text for the horizontal and vertical axis.

7. Review and Fine-Tune Chart for Clarity

Examine your chart to ensure the axes have been switched correctly. Make any additional adjustments to the chart's layout, colors, or labels to enhance its readability and visual appeal.

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We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to switch the X and Y axis in Google Sheets. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on how to zoom out on Google Sheets or our article on how to remove dollar signs in Google Sheets.