Create column chart widgets from spreadsheets

Learn about the various configuration options available when creating column chart widgets from your spreadsheet data.

Updated over a week ago

This guide walks you through the various options available when creating column chart widgets from your spreadsheet data.

Select data for your column chart widget

Column chart widgets require at least:

  • 1 date, string or numeric column

  • 1 other numeric column

Click drag to select the spreadsheet cells you want to visualize. You can also select entire rows and columns or enter the data range into the field. Selecting multiple data ranges enables you to build multiple series column charts.

click drag to select the cells you want to visualize

If your column or row selections include pre-populated cells your column chart will automatically respond as you add data to your connected Google Sheet or Excel workbook.

spreadsheets column chart widget that shows how selecting pre-populated cells can create dynamic visualizations

Refreshing your source spreadsheet

If you need to make any edits to your spreadsheet you can manually refresh it from the bottom left corner of the screen. From here you can also switch to a different sheet.

change the sheet by clicking in the bottom right corner

If your source spreadsheet is large and complex you might benefit from extracting the data you need to another spreadsheet specifically for powering your dashboard widgets. For more information, see preparing your spreadsheet for Geckoboard.

Preview your column chart widget

Next, you'll see highlighted visualization options for your selection. Click the column chart icon to preview how your column widget will look.

When you're happy with your selection, click Continue >.

Switch to reading data in rows

By default, Geckoboard reads the data in columns. When your data series is arranged in rows, click Switch columns and rows.

Configure your column chart widget

Visualization type

The visualization picker allows you to switch between the available options.

Widget config for column charts built with spreadsheets

Selection contains headers

Toggle off if your first selection cells don't contain headers.

Add goal

In the Goal is field enter a value or select another single numeric value from your spreadsheet. Use the toggle to switch the shaded area from More than and Less than the goal value. Any columns that meet the goal will turn green in color.

spreadsheets column chart widget with goal area shaded in grey

Formatting

The Formatting menu allows you to overrule the automatically set number of decimal places used, or add additional information about the values on your widget. For more information, see our guide to using the data formatting options.

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