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Chart tools Change over time

Bar chart race

Animated bars that overtake each other as time passes.

When to use a bar chart race

Use it to tell a ranking story over time, perfect for social video.

How to make one

  1. Paste your data into the Data box, or upload a CSV. The example shows the columns it needs.
  2. Add a title, subtitle and source under Text.
  3. Pick colours, a font and a size under Style: 16:9 for slides, 1:1 for WhatsApp and LinkedIn, 4:5 for Instagram posts, 9:16 for Stories, Reels and TikTok.
  4. Press Play to animate it, or Present to show it full screen.
  5. Press Share & export. On a phone, send the image, an MP4 video of the animation or a link straight to WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn. On a computer, copy it into your slides or download a PNG, SVG or PowerPoint file.

Everything runs in your browser. Your data isn't uploaded anywhere, and your last chart is remembered on this device.

Questions about the bar chart race

What data do I need for a bar chart race?

Three columns: time period, name, value (one row per name per period). Or a wide table: time period, then one column per name. Paste it from Excel or Google Sheets, upload a CSV, or connect a live Google Sheet.

When should I use a bar chart race?

Use it to tell a ranking story over time, perfect for social video.

What's the most common mistake with a bar chart race?

Too many periods or names. Ten to thirty periods and the top eight to twelve names make the best races.

Can I animate it, download it or put it in PowerPoint?

Yes. Press Play to animate it, record an MP4 or GIF, or download a PNG, SVG or PowerPoint file. In PowerPoint it's added as a high-resolution image. It's free, with no sign-up.

More in Change over time

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