How to make a line graph in 4 easy steps
- Add your data. Type labels (such as months, years or days) in the first column and your numbers in the next column. Already have data in Excel or Google Sheets? Paste the cells straight into the table, or open the .xlsx / .csv file.
- Name your graph. Give it a clear title and label both axes so readers instantly know what they are looking at, for example “Revenue ($)” against “Month”.
- Style it. Pick a theme or color palette, choose straight, curved or stepped lines, and switch on extras such as data labels, a trend line or a filled area.
- Download or share. Export a sharp PNG, JPG, SVG or PDF up to 4K, copy the image straight into Google Docs or PowerPoint, or send a share link so others can open and edit a copy.
What is a line graph?
A line graph (also called a line chart or line plot) shows how a value changes by plotting data points and connecting them with straight or curved lines. The horizontal x-axis usually represents time or ordered categories, and the vertical y-axis shows the value being measured. Because the eye naturally follows the line, line graphs are the clearest way to reveal trends, peaks, dips and patterns over time.
A graph with one line tracks a single data set. Add a second line and you get a double line graph; add a third for a triple line graph; and with more you have a multiple line graph that compares many trends on the same axes.
Why this is the easiest line graph maker online
- Spreadsheet-style editor: edit data in a real table, move with Enter and the arrow keys, and add or delete rows and lines in one click.
- Excel, Google Sheets & CSV: paste a block of cells, or open an .xlsx or .csv file. Files are read on your device, never uploaded.
- Live preview: every change updates the graph instantly.
- Up to 12 lines: each with its own color, thickness, dash style and point shape.
- Pro styling: themes (including dark mode), color palettes, fonts, text size, aspect ratios and transparent backgrounds.
- Analysis extras: trend lines, value labels, logarithmic scale, custom min/max, and units like $, % or °C.
- High-resolution export: PNG, JPG, SVG and PDF at up to 3840px wide, with no watermark.
- Autosave, share & embed: your work is saved in your browser, a link lets anyone open an editable copy, and embed code puts an interactive graph on your website or blog.
When should you use a line graph?
Use a line graph whenever the order of your data matters and you want to show change:
- Showing a trend over time, such as days, weeks, months, quarters or years.
- Comparing how several groups change over the same period.
- Tracking progress towards a goal, such as savings, weight or test scores.
- Displaying continuous measurements, like temperature or speed.
- Spotting seasonality, growth, decline or sudden spikes in data.
Line graph vs. bar graph
| Use a line graph when… | Use a bar graph when… |
|---|---|
| The x-axis is time or another continuous sequence | The x-axis is separate categories (countries, products) |
| You want to show the trend or rate of change | You want to compare the size of individual values |
| You have many data points | You have a handful of values |
| You compare several series on the same timeline | You rank items from biggest to smallest |
Examples of line graphs
Click one of the examples under the data table to load it instantly, then replace the numbers with your own:
- Monthly sales or revenue across a year
- Average temperature in different cities
- Stock or crypto prices week by week
- Website traffic by channel
- Student test scores across a school year
- Population growth over decades
Tips for a clear, professional line graph
- Keep it focused. More than 5 or 6 lines gets hard to read, so hide less important lines with the eye icon instead of deleting them.
- Label everything. A title, axis labels and units (use the prefix/suffix options) remove any guesswork.
- Mind the y-axis. Starting at zero gives an honest view of size; turning it off zooms in on small changes. Use a logarithmic scale for data that grows exponentially.
- Use contrasting colors and different dash styles so the graph also works in black-and-white print and for color-blind readers.
- Export big. Choose Full HD or 4K for print and slides so lines stay crisp.