Google Sheets Gets Smarter With New Charts and Excel Support

Google Sheets now supports native box and whisker charts, allowing users to visualize data distributions without relying on formulas or third-party tools.

According to the Google Workspace Updates blog, the feature is rolling out to all Google Workspace customers and personal Google accounts. The update also improves Microsoft Excel compatibility, making it easier to transfer editable charts between the two applications.

Google Sheets automatically calculates statistical values

Users can now select a range of numeric data and create a box and whisker chart directly in Google Sheets.

The application automatically calculates key statistical values, including minimum and maximum values, first and third quartiles, median, mean, and outliers.

Google also provides customization options, allowing users to choose between inclusive and exclusive quartile calculations, show or hide data points and outliers, and control mean markers and lines.

Previously, users needed additional formulas or workarounds to create these charts.

Excel charts no longer disappear when imported

The update also addresses a compatibility issue with Microsoft Excel.

Previously, importing Excel spreadsheets containing box and whisker charts could cause those charts to disappear.

Google Sheets now preserves chart references, calculations, and formatting during imports. Users can also export box and whisker charts to Excel while keeping them editable.

Rollout continues through November 6

Google has started rolling out the feature to Rapid Release domains, with deployment expected to take approximately two weeks.

The Scheduled Release rollout should finish by November 6, 2026.

All Google Workspace plans and free personal Google accounts will receive the feature automatically, without administrator intervention.

In other news, Google recently unveiled a new Gemini agent designed to handle workloads and expanded Gmail’s AI Inbox to more Workspace users. The company also introduced Gemini-powered scam detection and ClickFix protection in Chrome.