How to make a scatter plot in Excel

This tutorial shows you how to create a scatter plot in Excel to visualize the relationship between two data sets. A scatter plot, also known as an XY graph or scatter diagram, is a two-dimensional chart ideal for showing correlation between numerical variables.

• Creating Scatter Plots in Excel
• Data Organization for Scatter Charts
• Steps to Create a Scatter Plot
• Scatter Chart Types
• 3D Scatter Plots (Limitations in Excel)
• Scatter Plots and Correlation
• Customizing Scatter Plots:
  • Adjusting Axis Scales
  • Adding Data Labels
  • Adding Trendlines
  • Swapping X and Y Axes

Creating Scatter Plots in Excel

A scatter plot illustrates the relationship between two variables, typically an independent variable (x-axis) and a dependent variable (y-axis). The closer the data points cluster to a straight line, the stronger the correlation.

Data Organization for Scatter Charts

Before creating the chart, organize your data. Place the independent variable in the left column (x-axis) and the dependent variable in the right column (y-axis).

Example: Visualizing the relationship between advertising budget (independent) and items sold (dependent).

Creating a Scatter Plot

1. Select the two data columns, including headers.
2. Go to the "Insert" tab, click the "Scatter" chart icon, and choose a template.

Your scatter plot will appear.

Scatter Chart Types

Excel offers various scatter plot templates:

• Scatter with smooth lines and markers
• Scatter with smooth lines
• Scatter with straight lines and markers
• Scatter with straight lines

Scatter plots with lines are best for smaller datasets. You can also create charts showing each variable separately using three columns (labels and two numerical columns).

3D Scatter Plots

Excel doesn't directly support 3D scatter plots. Third-party tools are necessary for this type of visualization.

Scatter Plots and Correlation

Interpreting scatter plots requires understanding correlation types:

• Positive Correlation: As x increases, y increases.
• Negative Correlation: As x increases, y decreases.
• No Correlation: No clear relationship between x and y.

Customizing Scatter Plots

Excel allows extensive customization.

Adjusting Axis Scales: Right-click the axis, select "Format Axis," and adjust minimum, maximum, and major unit values to reduce whitespace.

Adding Data Labels: Select the chart, click "Chart Elements," choose "Data Labels," and select "More Options…" to customize label positions and values (from cells). Manually adjust overlapping labels.

Adding Trendlines: Right-click a data point, select "Add Trendline," and choose options to display the equation on the chart.

Swapping X and Y Axes: Right-click an axis, select "Select Data," edit the series X and Y values to swap them.

This comprehensive guide enables you to effectively create and customize scatter plots in Excel for data analysis.

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