# Google Sheets

Bring live spreadsheet data into your chart. The plugin fetches the sheet, maps headers to categories and series, and keeps your configuration ready for refreshes.

### Data prep checklist

* First row should contain headers (e.g. `Month`, `Revenue`, `Cost`).
* No merged cells or formulas that return text when numbers are expected.
* If the sheet is private, confirm your browser session has access.

### Import steps

1. **Switch to Table → Google** in the Data tab.
2. Paste the **full Google Sheet URL**.
3. Specify the **Worksheet name** if it’s not the first tab.
4. Select the columns you want to use. The plugin automatically treats the first as categories.

### Common errors

| Error banner                              | Meaning                                   | Fix                                                                    |
| ----------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| “Failed to load data from Google Sheets.” | Network, permission, or rate-limit issue. | Check access rights, try again, or duplicate the sheet to reduce load. |
| Preview shows wrong numbers               | Column order changed since last fetch.    | Reopen the column picker and reselect the intended fields.             |

### Tips for designers

* Use a dedicated worksheet for chart data; keep formatting and calculations separate.
* If a stakeholder updates the sheet, remind them not to move the header row or delete columns in use.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.chartplugin.com/how-to-add-your-own-data-to-your-graph/google-sheets.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.