Semi-log and log-log charts are powerful tools for analyzing data. A relationship between two sets of data may not show on a simple chart, while a log chart may reveal its secrets.
Google Sheets is a powerful spreadsheet application that lets you create different types of charts. Moreover, you can create semi-log or log-log charts in Google Sheets with just a few clicks. Read on to learn how to create logarithmic charts in Google Sheets.
How to Create a Semi-Log Chart in Google Sheets
A semi-logarithmic chart is a chart that has a single logarithmic axis. In most cases, this is Y or the vertical axis. So, in a semi-logarithmic chart, the Y axis will be logarithmic, while the X axis will remain even.
To demonstrate this, let’s take an example. In this example spreadsheet, we have the number of cells in cell culture on different days. Let’s create a normal line graph, then make the Y axis logarithmic.
The first step is to create a line chart in Google Sheets. Once you have a line chart you will need to go to the chart settings and make the vertical axis logarithmic.
- Select your data table. It will be A1 at B6 in this example.
- Go to the Insert menu.
- Select Chart.
Google Sheets will automatically determine the ideal chart type for this data table. Chances are your chart is already a line chart. However, if not, you can easily change it.
- Double-click on your chart to bring up the Chart editor.
- Go to the Install tongue.
- Below Chart typeselect Line chart.
You now have your line chart. Take a look at the curve and remember what it looks like now for reference. Time to turn this into a semi-logarithmic chart.
- Double-click on the graph to reveal Chart editor.
- Go to the Personalize then tab vertical axis.
- Under Vertical Axis, check Logarithmic scale.
You now have a semi-log chart where the Y axis is on a logarithmic scale. Take a look at your chart now. Since the values in our sample were exponential (they were all powers of 12), the logarithmic graph is a straight line.
Calculating the attributes and drawing a straight line is much easier compared to the previous graph.
How to Create a Log-Log Chart in Google Sheets
In some cases, your analysis or calculation may require both axes to be on a logarithmic scale. This is where the log-log chart comes in. In a log-log chart, the X and Y axes are on a logarithmic scale. When the Xs and Ys are exponential, a log-log graph produces a straight line.
In a sample similar to the previous one, we have the cell counts of a culture on different days. This time the days, or the X axis, are also exponential. As before, you first need to create a line graph.
- Select your data table. They will be cells A1 at B6 in this example.
- Go to the Insert menu.
- Click on Chart.
Google Sheets will automatically create a line chart for you. Now it’s time to make a log-log graph of it.
- Double-click on the graph to reveal Chart editor.
- Go to the Personalize tongue.
- Open the vertical axis tab and check Logarithmic scale.
- Open the horizontal axis tab and check Logarithmic scale.
And There you go! Your jagged line is now a straight line when put on a log-log scale. Now you can more easily uncover secret relationships between your data.
Logarithmic charts in Google Sheets
The logarithmic scales on the graphs are like a key to a new world. Logarithmic scales give you perspective and show you things you couldn’t see on an ordinary scale.
While a semi-log chart has a single axis on a logarithmic scale, a log-log chart has both axes on a logarithmic scale. Google Sheets can help you illustrate these two graphs, and now you know exactly how to do it.
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