How to do a scatter graph in Excel

A Scatter graph, also known as the XY graph, shows the relationship between two variables. The main difference between a scatter graph and other graphs is that both axes of the chart consist of values. The two variables in the Scatter graph are the independent and dependent values. The independent values should always be in the leftmost column of your dataset, whereas the dependent values should be placed in the rightmost column of your dataset. The Independent variables are plotted on the x-axis, while the dependent variables are plotted on the Y-axis.

To create Scatter Plot/Graph

Below are steps to follow to do so:

1. Open the Excel application.

2. Open the Workbook that contains the worksheet with your dataset. Add your dataset to the sheets if you’re using a new workbook.

3. Highlight the cells with the dataset you wish to convert to a scatter graph.

4. Then click the Insert tab on the Ribbon. In the Chart section, click the Insert Scatter or Bubble Chart drop-down button.

5. Choose one scatter chart from the list. Alternatively, click the More scatter Chart button to open the Insert chart dialogue box.

6. From the box, locate the Recommended chart pane and click on the X Y(Scatter) button. Then, choose the chart format you want to use on the right pane. Finally, hit the Ok button.

7. The selected Scatter graph will be inserted into your Excel screen.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to insert waterfall graph

Steps:

1. Open the Excel application.

2. Open the Workbook that contains the worksheet with your dataset. Add your dataset to the sheets if you’re using a new workbook.

3. Highlight the cells with the dataset you wish to convert to a Scatter graph.

4. Press the Alt + N keys on your keyboard.

5. Press the D key to open the Insert waterfall drop-down menu.

6. Choose one waterfall chart from the list. Alternatively, press the M key to open the Insert chart dialogue box. Locate the Recommended chart pane from the box and click on the X Y(Scatter) button. Then, choose the chart format you want to use on the right pane. Finally, hit the Ok button.

Types of Scatter Graphs

Some of the types of scatter graphs present in Excel include:

1. Scatter Graph with smooth lines and markers.

2. Scatter Graph with smooth lines.

3. Scatter Graph with straight lines and markers.

4. Scatter Graph with straight lines.

To customize the Scatter Graph

Below are some of the ways you can customize your scatter graph:

1. To add the Title of the graph, double-click on the Chart Title section to edit and add the new Title of your graph. After adding the Title, press the Enter key to save changes.

2. Click the chart and locate the Chart Element button(Plus sign). From this tool, you can:

To add the gridlines to your chart, check the Gridlines checkbox.

To add the legends to your Excel Chart, check the Legend checkbox.

Finally, to add the chart axis, check the Chart Axis checkbox.