A scatter plot Excel is a type of chart in Microsoft Excel that allows us to visualize the relationship between two variables. It is a powerful tool for analyzing and understanding data, as it helps to identify patterns and trends. Here, we will discuss scatter plots, how to make scatter plots in Excel, and more.
In this article
- Part 1: What Is A Scatter Plot, And When To Use It?
- Part 2: Why Learn How To Make Scatter Plots In Excel?
- Part 3: Plotting Multiple Series on a Scatter Chart
- Part 4: Types of Scatter Chart in Excel
- Part 5: Adding a Trend Line to the Scatter Chart
- Part 6: Making a Scatter Chart Using Wondershare EdrawMax
- Conclusion
Part 1: What Is A Scatter Plot, And When To Use It?
A scatter plot is a type of data visualization that is used to display the relationship between two numerical variables. It consists of a series of points, each representing a single observation, plotted on a two-dimensional graph. The horizontal axis represents one variable, while the vertical axis represents the other variable. Scatter plots are particularly useful when analyzing bivariate data, which involves the simultaneous observation of two variables.
Part 2: Why Learn How To Make Scatter Plots In Excel?
Learning how to make scatter plots in Excel is important. Learning how to make Excel scatter plots offers a lot of advantages.
- Data analysis: Excel is a widely used spreadsheet software that offers powerful tools for data analysis and visualization.
- Present and analyze bivariate data: Learning how to make scatter plots in Excel allows individuals to effectively present and analyze bivariate data.
- User-friendly interface: Excel provides a user-friendly interface for creating and customizing scatter plots, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Part 3: Plotting Multiple Series on a Scatter Chart
Plotting multiple series on a scatter chart involves a few key steps. These are the steps to plotting an Excel scatter plot multiple series:
- To plot multiple series on a scatter chart in Excel, first, select the data that you want to include in the chart.
- Click on the "Insert" tab in Excel and select "Scatter" from the Charts group.
- Choose the desired scatter chart type, such as a basic scatter plot or a scatter plot with smooth lines and markers.
- After inserting the initial scatter plot, you can add additional data series by selecting the chart and then clicking on "Design" and "Select Data" in the Chart Tools section.
- In the "Select Data Source" dialog box, you can add new series by clicking "Add" and specifying the range for the new data series.
Part 4: Types of Scatter Charts in Excel
There are several types of Excel scatter charts. Each has its unique characteristics.
- Basic Scatter Plot: A simple scatter chart or Excel scatter diagram that displays individual data points without connecting lines or markers.
- Scatter Plot with Smooth Lines and Markers: This type of scatter chart includes smooth lines that connect the data points, providing a visual representation of the overall trend in the data.
- Scatter Plot with Straight Lines and Markers: Similar to the smooth lines scatter plot, this type includes straight lines that connect the data points.
- Bubble Chart: A variation of the scatter chart that includes an additional dimension of data represented by the size of the markers (bubbles) in addition to their position on the graph, and it is very easy to create a bubble chart in Excel.
Part 5: Adding a Trend Line to the Scatter Chart
Adding a trend line to the scatter chart is easy. You can follow the steps given here to add a trend line to the scatter chart:
- To add a trend line to a scatter chart in Excel, first, select the chart and then click on the "Chart Elements" button (the plus sign icon) that appears next to the chart.
- From the drop-down menu, select "Trendline" and choose the desired type of trend line, such as linear, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, or moving average.
- After adding the trend line, you can further customize it by right-clicking on the trend line and selecting "Format Trendline."
Part 6: Making a Scatter Chart Using Wondershare EdrawMax
Wondershare EdrawMax is the ultimate software for creating scatter charts and for good reason. With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and advanced customization options, there's no better tool for the job. Plus, it allows you to easily visualize data and trends, making it an invaluable tool for businesses and professionals. These are the steps to create a scatter chart using the tool:
Step 1: Start by logging into your EdrawMax account to access all the available features and scatter chart templates.
Step 2: Once logged in, you will be directed to the dashboard. Click on the "New" button at the top left corner to create a new document.
Step 3: Within the tool, go to the "Templates" section and search for a scatter chart template. Open the most suitable template by selecting "Use Immediately".
Step 4: Customize the scatter chart to meet your specific requirements. You can modify the colors, fonts, and text sizes to enhance the visual appearance of the chart.
Step 5: After completing the customization, remember to save your work. Look for the "Save As" option in the left-navigation pane and click on it to save the scatter chart. Alternatively, you can also use the Ctrl+S shortcut key.
Step 6; Finally, export your scatter chart for sharing with others. In the left-navigation pane, click on "Export and Send" and choose the desired format, such as JPEG or PDF.
Conclusion
Understanding scatter plots and learning how to create them in Excel is a valuable skill for data analysis and visualization. Excel provides a versatile platform for creating and customizing scatter plots, allowing users to effectively present and analyze bivariate data. By mastering the techniques for plotting multiple series, adding trend lines, and utilizing different types of Excel scatter chart, individuals can enhance their ability to communicate insights from their data effectively.
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