Question 1

How do I create a column chart from this template?

Accepted Answer

Open the Template sheet, replace the sample Category names and Measurement values with your own data, then select the range and go to Insert > Chart > Column in Excel. The grouped layout with two Measurement columns (Measurement 1 and Measurement 2) lets you build a clustered column chart directly. Each Example sheet also provides a ready-made dataset you can study to see how the final chart should look.

Question 2

What kind of data works best in this column chart template?

Accepted Answer

Any categorical comparison data. The Example sheets show real use cases: Lifespan of Animals (Example1 — single series), 2016 GDP by Country (Example2 — large-value comparisons), pH Level of Liquids (Example3 — scientific measurements), and Average Annual Precipitation with Rainfall + Snowfall (Example4 — grouped dual-series). Replace categories and values with your own labels to adapt it to sales, surveys, grades, or any comparison scenario.

Question 3

Can I add more than two measurement columns?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Template sheet provides two measurement columns by default (Measurement 1 and Measurement 2), but you can insert additional columns to the right for more data series. Your column chart will automatically group them when you include the extra columns in your chart data range. Example4 demonstrates a working two-series grouped chart using Rainfall and Snowfall columns.

Question 4

Does this work in Google Sheets?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Open the .xlsx file directly in Google Sheets (File > Open > Upload), and all sheets, labels, and data are preserved. The column chart creation process is similar: select your data, then Insert > Chart, and choose Column chart from the Chart type dropdown. The Template and all Example sheets work identically in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Question 5

Is this a one-time purchase or a subscription?

Accepted Answer

This is a one-time purchase at $3.9 USD (regularly $6.9). There is no monthly subscription, no recurring fees, and no account required to use the file after download. You get the complete .xlsx file with all 7 sheets, and you can use it forever.

Question 6

How do I customize the colors of the column chart?

Accepted Answer

After creating your chart in Excel, click on any column bar and use the Format Data Series panel to change fill colors. The Start Here sheet includes the PlanoraNest brand color palette (#3B694C primary green, #F1EADC secondary cream, #FCFAF4 background) which you can use as a starting point or replace with your own brand colors.

Sheet	What it does
Start Here	Quick-start guide with navigation tips, worksheet descriptions, and brand color reference.
Template	Blank column chart layout with Title, Category, Measurement 1, and Measurement 2 columns — enter your own labels and values to generate a grouped or clustered column chart.
Example1	Lifespan of Animals dataset — compare lifespan in years across 8 animals (Hamster to Whale), ideal for a single-series column chart.
Example2	2016 GDP by Country — 7 countries with GDP values in millions, perfect for presenting economic comparisons.
Example3	pH Level of Liquids — 6 common liquids with their pH values (Ammonia 11, Lemon Juice 2, Water 7), great for science or education contexts.
Example4	Average Annual Precipitation — 7 cities with both Rainfall (inches) and Snowfall (inches), designed for a grouped/clustered column chart with two data series.
About	Template attribution, license information, and link to PlanoraNest for more templates.

4 Column Chart Template Excel | PlanoraNest Template

Who it's for

What's inside the workbook

Key features

Preview

Column Percentage Chart Saving Excel Spreadsheet

Google Spreadsheet Chart Group By Column

Google Spreadsheet Grouped Column Chart

5 Column Spreadsheet Blank Chart

Start Here

Move A Column In Chart Of Spreadsheet

How to use this template

Works with

Frequently asked questions

How it works

Customer reviews