Organizational charts are a great way to visualize the structure of a team, department, or company. They help everyone understand who reports to whom and how different roles fit together. If you’re looking to create one, Google Sheets is a simple and accessible tool to get the job done.
Why Use Google Sheets to Create an Organizational Chart
Google Sheets makes it easy to create an organizational chart without special software or design skills. It’s free, simple, and allows teams to update their structure in real time. Plus, since it’s cloud-based, everyone always has access to the latest version.
Step 1: Open a New Google Sheets File
Go to Google Sheets and open a new spreadsheet. You’ll start with a blank canvas, ready to fill with your organization’s structure.
Step 2: Enter Your Data
In order to create a chart, you need a simple table with two columns:
Column A: Employee or position name
Column B: The person or position they report to
Leave the CEO’s “Reports To” column blank since they are at the top of the hierarchy.
Step 3: Insert an Organizational Chart
Once your data is set, highlight your data (including the headers). Click on Insert > Chart from the top menu. In the Chart Editor that appears on the right, go to the Setup tab.
Click the drop-down menu under Chart Type and select Organizational Chart (you may need to scroll down to find it).
Step 4: Customize Your Chart
Google Sheets automatically generates a basic chart, but you can make some tweaks. Click on the Customize tab in the Chart Editor. Adjust the node size and color to match your preferences. Resize the chart by clicking and dragging the corners. If the chart looks too small, drag it downwards to expand.
Once your chart looks good, click on File > Download if you need a copy in PDF or PNG format. Click Share in the top right to collaborate with others in real-time.
Get the Free Organizational Chart Template
Get a copy of the free Organizational Chart template. I’ve populated some cells as examples, but you can customize them as needed.
Final Thoughts
An organizational chart is more than just a visual representation of your team—it’s a tool for better communication, efficiency, and clarity.
Keeping it updated ensures everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, reducing confusion and streamlining workflow.
Take advantage of Google Sheets’ flexibility and collaboration features to make your chart a living document that grows with your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I automatically update the organizational chart when I change the data?
Yes! Google Sheets updates the chart automatically when you modify the data in the table. If changes don’t appear right away, click on the chart and refresh it by selecting a different chart type and then switching back to the Organizational Chart.
Can I use formulas to generate hierarchical data?
While there is no direct formula to create an organizational chart, you can use functions like ARRAYFORMULA to auto-populate data or VLOOKUP to reference reporting relationships dynamically.
Can I export the organizational chart as an image?
Yes! Click on the chart, then select the three-dot menu at the top-right corner and choose Download > PNG, PDF, or SVG to save the chart as an image file.
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