How to Create a Scatter Plot In Excel?

A scatter plot is a mathematical diagram made using the Cartesian coordinates which are used to display typically 2D-data sets. These are also known as scatterplots, scatter graphs, scatter charts, scattergrams, or scatter diagrams.

In this article, we will look into how we can create scatter plots in Excel. To do so follow the below steps:

A Scatter plot consists of data points plotted on a two-dimensional coordinate system, with one variable represented on the x-axis (horizontal) and the other on the y-axis( vertical). Typically, the independent variable is on the x-axis, and the dependent variable is on the y-axis. The chart displays values at the intersection of an x and y axis, combined into single data points.

The main purpose of a scatter plot is to show how strong the relationship, or correlation between the two variables is.

To create a scatter chart in Excel, It is important to arrange your data appropriately to ensure a meaningful representation of the relationship between two variables( numerical). The data should be arranged in two columns, one with the independent values and the other with the dependent values.

It is essential to have the same number of data points in both columns to maintain consistency. Every row in these columns represents a data point with a unique combination of x and y values. After your data is structured in this way, you can easily create a scatter chart by selecting the data range and inserting the chart.

With the source data correctly organized, making a scatter plot in Excel takes these two quick sets:

1. Select two columns with numeric data, including the column headers.
2. Go to the Insert tab > Charts group, click the scatter chat icon, and select the desired template. To insert a classic scatter graph, click the first thumbnail:

Step 1: Formatting data for Scatter Plot. We have to make sure that there should be two variables for a set of data.

Step 2: Converting data into Scatter Plot. First, highlight the data which we want in the scatter plot.

Step 3: Click on the Insert tab on the Ribbon. In the Charts group, click Insert Scatter(X, Y) or Bubble Chart.

Step 4: In the resulting menu, click Scatter.

Once we have clicked that, our Scatter Plot will appear.

Step 5: Now, to add a label on the x-axis and y-axis we have to click on the Design tab on the Ribbon. In the Chart Layouts group, click Quick Layout.

Step 6: In the resulting menu, click Layout 1.

Step 7: Then change the label name of the X axis from Axis Title to Year and the Y axis from Axis Title to Population.

In Excel, a Scatter chart offers you various types to visualize the relationship between two numerical variables. Some of the Scatter types are listed below:

1. Scatter Chart with Markers Only

This is the most basic type of Scatter chart. It displays data points as individual markers(dots) on the graph without any connecting lines. It is useful when want to see the distribution of data points clearly.

2. Scatter Chart with Straight Lines

Excel data points are connected with straight lines, that look similar to a line chart. It helps you ti find the trends or patterns in the Data.

3. Scatter Chart with Smooth Lines

This is similar to straight lines with the difference in line, lines being smoothed to create a curve. This helps you to visualize the trends more smoothly, more specifically in datasets with Fluctuations.

4. Scatter Chart with Straight Lines and Markers

This chart combines individual markers with straight lines connecting them to provide a clear view of data points and the trend between them.

5. Scatter Chart with Smooth Lines and Markers

In this chart, the markers are combined with the smoothed line to create a curve, making it visually appealing while still showing data trends.

6. Scatter Chart with High-Low Lines

In this chart, the lines connect each data point to both the highest and lowest points of the a and y axes, creating a “crosshair” effect which is useful in identifying data outliers.

7. Bubble Chart

A bubble chart is considered an extension of a Scatter chart, where a third data variable is represented by the size of markers. It allows us to visualize the relationship between three variables simultaneously.

8. 3D Scatter Chart

This type of chart introduces depth to the visualization, representing data points in a three-dimensional space. It is useful for exploring relationships between three numerical variables.

9. Scatter Chart with Trendlines

In any Scatter Chart type, you can add trendlines, which are lines that fit the data points to show the overall trend. Trendlines can be Linear, exponential, polynomial, or moving average.

It is important to understand the correlation between variables for accurate interpretation. There are mainly three types of correlation mentioned below:

1. Positive Correlation

This occurs when the x variables and y variables increase together. For example, if the students study more the higher their grade tends to be, It shows a positive correlation between time and academic performance.

2. Negative Correlation

On the other hand, a negative correlation is observed when the x variable increases while the y variable decreases. For example, the more classes a student skips, the lower their exam scores might be, indicating a negative correlation between absenteeism and academic performance.

3. No Correlation

When there is no clear relationship between the two variables and the data, and the data points are scattered randomly across the chart, it suggests no correlation. For instance, the height of students and their grades might not show any consistent pattern, indicating no correlation between the factors.

Customizing an XY scatter plot in Excel offers a wide range of options to finetune your data visualization. As with other chart types, almost every element of a scatter graph can be personalized according to your need. For example: From modifying the chart title, adding axis titles, and choosing custom chart colors to hiding gridlines and more.

Adjust the Axis Scale (reduce white space)

For a scatter plot, specific customizations can be particularly helpful. For example. if your data points are clustered closely at one end of the graph, you may want to eliminate excessive white space to improve visual clarity. Follow the below steps the remove the white space:

• Step 1: Right-click the X-axis of the Scatter plot.
• Step 2: Select “Format Axis” from the context menu.
• Step 3: In the Format Axis pane that appears, adjust the Maximum and Minimum bounds as needed to reduce the space between the first data point and the vertical axis, or between the last data point and the right edge of the graph.
• Step 4: You can control the spacing between gridlines by changing the Major units.

These changes will make your graph look cleaner and more focused, allowing you to emphasize the patterns and relationships within your data more effectively.

As already discussed, a scatter chart shows the independent variable on the horizontal axis and the dependent variable on the vertical axis. To switch the X and Y axes in a scatter chart, Excel provides a straightforward method that doesn’t even require recognizing your data in the worksheet. You can swap X and Y data series directly within the chart. Follow the below steps to swap X and Y axes:

Step 1: Click on the Scatter Chart to select it. Excel will display small handles around the chart area

Step 2: In the “Chart Design” tab that appears on the Excel Ribbon, locate the “Switch Row/Column button”.

Step 3: Click the “Switch Row/Column” button. Excel will instantly swap the X and Y data series in the Chart.

Step 4: The X-axis will now display the values that were originally on the Y-axis, and vice versa.

In conclusion, mastering scatter plots in Excel is a game-changer for analyzing data. With Excel’s user-friendly features, creating and interpreting scatter plots becomes a breeze. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll unlock the ability to spot patterns and relationships within your data effortlessly.

With Excel’s help and your newfound skills, you’ll be equipped to tackle data challenges and present compelling insights with confidence.

When to Use Scatter Plots?

Following are some of the useful scenarios:

• Identifying Relationships: Scatter plots help you to see the relationship between two variables. You can easily identify if the variables have a positive, negative, or no correlation.
• Spotting Outliers: It becomes easy to spot outliers or unusual data points with the help of Scatter plots.
• Visualizing Patterns: Scatter plots help you to identify the patterns or trends in your data, such as linear, quadratic, or exponential relationships.
• Comparing scatter Data Sets: It is easy to determine what is the relationship between the two data sets.

How to create a Scatter Plot in Excel?

To Create a scatter plot in Excel, follow the below steps:

• Step 1: Select the data you want to plot.
• Step 2: Go to the “Insert” tab, click on “Scatter” in the Charts group, and choose the Scatter plot type according to your need.

How to switch the X and Y axes in a Scatter Plot?

Click on the ” Switch Row/Column ” button in the “Chart Design” tab to switch the X and Y axes in a Scatter Plot.

Can a Scatter plot be used for categorized Data?

No, Scatter plots can’t be used for Categorized data. Scatter plots are generally used for numerical data to represent the relationship between two continuous variables.