Most tutorials online create a funnel chart in Google Sheets using a stacked bar chart workaround. While that method works, it often requires extra “helper” columns and manual alignment to make the chart look like a funnel.

In this tutorial, we’ll take a modern, dynamic approach — building a funnel chart using SPARKLINE and LAMBDA functions. This method needs no helper columns, automatically adapts to your data, and even supports custom color themes through a simple dropdown selector.

Features of This Dynamic Funnel Chart Method in Google Sheets

• No helper columns – the funnel chart is generated entirely from a single formula.
• Dynamic updates – as you change your data, the funnel resizes automatically.
• Custom color themes – pick from multiple gradient or multi-color palettes using a simple dropdown.
• Compact and lightweight – built with the SPARKLINE function, perfect for dashboards or reports.
• LAMBDA-powered – wrap the entire logic into a reusable custom function for any dataset.
• Fully Google Sheets native – no add-ons or external scripts required.

What Is a Funnel Chart?

A funnel chart looks just like its name — wide at the top and gradually narrowing toward the bottom. It shows how data moves through different stages of a process, such as website visitors → sign-ups → leads → conversions. Each stage is shown as a horizontal bar, and the width of that bar represents the value or count for that stage.

As you move down the funnel, the bars get smaller, helping you instantly see where drop-offs happen. If one stage suddenly looks much narrower than the one above it, that’s a clear sign of friction or inefficiency in your process.

Simply put, a funnel chart in Google Sheets is a great way to visualize progress, measure conversion efficiency, and spot bottlenecks — all at a glance.

Creating a Dynamic Funnel Chart in Google Sheets

We don’t actually need any helper columns to create this funnel chart. A helper column is only necessary if you want to apply gradient or multi-color themes.

Let’s start with the sample data, then move on to building the funnel chart and applying color themes.

Step 1: Marketing Funnel Sample Data in Google Sheets

We’ll use the following sample data, which includes six stages of a typical marketing funnel:

Enter this data in the cell range B2:C8.

Step 2: Calculating Conversion Percentage in Google Sheets

This step is optional, but I highly recommend adding it. It helps visualize the efficiency between each stage of your funnel.

In cell D2, enter the following formula:

=VSTACK( "Conversion %", LET( range, C3:C8, MAP( SEQUENCE(ROWS(range)), LAMBDA( val, LET( get, LAMBDA(col, INDEX(col, val)), getp, LAMBDA(col, INDEX(col, val-1)), sales, get(range), salesp, getp(range), TO_PERCENT(IF(val=1, 1, sales/salesp)) ) ) ) ) )

Formula explanation (in brief):

This formula uses the MAP function to calculate the conversion rate at each stage by dividing the current value by the previous one.
For the first stage, it returns 100%. The result dynamically updates whenever the count data changes.

Step 3: Create the Funnel Chart in Google Sheets

In cell E2, enter the following dynamic formula:

=ArrayFormula( VSTACK( "Funnel Chart", LET( range, C3:C8, colr, G3:G8, maxx, MAX(range), helper, (maxx-range)/2, MAP( helper, range, colr, LAMBDA( x, y, z, SPARKLINE({x, y}, {"charttype","bar";"max",maxx; "color1","white"; "color2","#26a69a"}) ) ) ) ) )

This single formula generates the funnel chart — no helper columns or drag-down needed.

Formula explanation (in brief):

• VSTACK adds the header label (“Funnel Chart”) above the generated bars.
• range refers to the stage counts, and colr contains the colors for each stage. (Currently, the colors are not applied but will be used in later steps.)
• maxx finds the largest value to normalize the funnel widths.
• helper calculates the white padding needed on the left to center each bar.
• MAP loops through each stage, creating a horizontal SPARKLINE bar with the specified width and color.

The result is a fully dynamic funnel chart that updates automatically when your data changes.

By default, it uses the color #26a69a for the bars. You can replace it with any other color code or name (for example, blue, green, or #f95d6a).

In the next step, we’ll make this funnel chart even more dynamic by allowing you to switch between gradient or multi-color themes using a simple dropdown.

Step 4: Apply a Dynamic Color Theme to the Funnel Chart

Now, let’s make the funnel chart more engaging by adding a dynamic color theme selector. This will let you easily switch between preset color palettes such as blue gradients, green tones, or multi-color styles — all without changing the formula.

1. Set Up the Color Theme Table for Your Funnel Chart

In the cell range H2:K8, enter the following data:

These are the color palettes your funnel chart can use.

Each column represents one theme, and each row corresponds to a funnel stage.

2. Add a Theme Selector Dropdown in Google Sheets

In cell B1, create a dropdown list by going to Insert → Drop-down → Criteria → Drop-down (from a range), and select the header cells H2:K2.

Next, in cell G3, enter the following formula to filter the color palette based on the dropdown selection:

=FILTER(H3:K8, H2:K2 = B1)

Now, when you select “Blue Gradient Theme” or “Vibrant Multi-Color” from the dropdown, the filtered results will automatically update to show the corresponding color set.

3. Update the Funnel Chart Formula to Apply Colors

Go to cell E2 and edit the existing formula.

In the last part of the formula, you’ll notice the color "#26a69a" applied — replace that with z.

Now your funnel chart will automatically update its colors based on the selected theme, with no manual changes required.

Step 5: Final Touches

• Adjust column width so the funnel looks centered and smooth.
• Apply consistent text alignment (centered works best).
• Optionally, use conditional formatting or a bold header for clarity.

That’s it — you’ve built a fully dynamic funnel chart in Google Sheets, complete with theme selection, conversion rate tracking, and SPARKLINE-based visuals, all without helper columns.

What If You Have More or Fewer Than Six Stages?

If your funnel has more or fewer stages, you’ll just need to adjust the data ranges and color scheme references in your formulas.

1. Update the Data Range

If your stage data doesn’t end in row 8, update every range that currently uses C3:C8 to match your actual data.

For example:

• If you have 8 stages, change C3:C8 → C3:C10.
• If you have 4 stages, change C3:C8 → C3:C6.

Make sure you update this range consistently in:

• The conversion percentage formula (Step 2)
• The funnel chart formula (Step 3)

2. Adjust the Color Scheme Table

Your color scheme helper table (for example, H3:K8) should always have the same number of rows as your data range.

So, if your data extends to row 10, extend the color table to H3:K10.

Each row in the color table corresponds to a funnel stage.

You can add more color codes for the extra rows — use HTML color codes (hex values) you can easily find online.

3. Update the Filter Formula

If you’ve extended or shortened your color table, remember to update the FILTER formula in G3 accordingly. For example, if your color table now ends at row 10:

=FILTER(H3:K10, H2:K2 = B1)

After updating the filter, also make sure the Step 3 funnel chart formula references the updated color range (G3:G10 in this example) instead of the old G3:G8.

Once these small updates are done, your funnel chart will dynamically adapt — no matter how many stages your funnel has.

Click below to copy the dynamic funnel chart template and start customizing:

Get Funnel Chart Template

FAQ: Common Questions About Funnel Charts in Google Sheets

1. Can I reverse the funnel order (start from bottom to top)?
Yes — you can reverse your Google Sheets funnel chart to display stages from bottom to top.
Simply replace C3:C8 in the funnel chart formula (cell E2) with:

=SORT(C3:C8)

This flips the funnel so the largest stage appears at the bottom.

2. Can I add labels inside the funnel chart?
Google Sheets’ SPARKLINE function doesn’t natively support adding text or labels inside bars.
If you’d like to show stage names or values, place them in an adjacent column beside your funnel for a clear, labeled look.

3. How do I change the funnel width or spacing?
To make your funnel chart wider or narrower, simply adjust the row height.
Right-click the row numbers → select Resize rows → and enter a higher value.
This helps improve readability and makes each funnel stage more visually distinct.

4. My color theme isn’t updating when I switch themes — why?
If your funnel color scheme doesn’t change dynamically, check these two things:

• The FILTER range (e.g., H3:K8) correctly matches your color table range.
• The dropdown cell reference (e.g., B1) is correctly used in your formula.

Any mismatch between these will prevent the color theme from updating in your dynamic funnel chart.

5. Can I use RGB or named colors instead of hex codes?
Absolutely! Google Sheets supports named colors like red, blue, and orange, as well as rgb() color codes like rgb(38,166,154). However, using hex color codes (like #26a69a) is recommended for accuracy and consistent results across different devices and themes.

Conclusion: Build Smarter Funnel Charts in Google Sheets

Creating a funnel chart in Google Sheets doesn’t need to rely on stacked bar charts or manual formatting. With the SPARKLINE and LAMBDA functions, you can build a fully dynamic, no-helper-column funnel chart that automatically updates with your data — and even changes color themes on the fly.

Whether you’re tracking marketing conversions, sales performance, or project progress, this approach gives you a clean, flexible, and formula-driven visualization that fits right inside your spreadsheet.

Try creating your own dynamic funnel chart in Google Sheets using the formulas in this guide — or adapt the setup to fit your specific workflow.

Once you’ve mastered this version, you can expand it further with features like automatic labeling, dynamic sorting, or integration with your dashboard templates.