Set Up a Scatter Chart

Set Up a Scatter Chart

Back to Create a New Chart

Scatter charts are great for displaying the relationship between two numerical variables in a dataset. Scatter charts require a value x-axis and value y-axis. Both axes must be numerical and you cannot use categories in a scatter chart.

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Multiple y-axis series will add an additional legend entry and another color of dots on the canvas. The scatter line/spline will connect points of the same color.

Bubble charts include an additional Z axis, which represents the z variable with the size of the bubble.

If you haven’t yet, select a data source.

As you’re building your chart, use the Preview button in the upper right to check your work in progress.

Chart Options (Choose X & Y Axis)

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X (Value) Axis

Select Value Axis – Select the numerical variable to measure on the x-axis. The dropdown list will auto-populate with only number & date/time columns from your dataset.

Enable Data Grouping – Group data points with the same X value. We do NOT recommend grouping in scatter plots, as typically you’re seeking trends between all data points, not sums of data points.

Y (Value) Axis

Series – Specify what numerical value you would like to measure on the y-axis. Add additional y-axis series to compare.

Aggregate – If you have enabled grouping on the x-axis, aggregate the y-axis data you are comparing (sum, first, min, max, average, count). By default, chart plus compares the sum of y values.

Data Label – Toggle data labels for each Y series.

Secondary Axis – If using more than one Y series, you can add a secondary axis on the right side of the chart. The secondary axis will plot a second set of data points with the same X value, but Y values from the second Y series.

Legend Title – Customize legend titles for each y-axis series.

Z (Size) Value – Available for bubble charts. Choose a third value series to display as bubble size.

X-Axis Configuration

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Data Type Settings – Configure the number type & format. If a date, configure the axis scale.

Appearance

X Axis Title – Toggle title display at top of chart and customize title text.

X-Axis Labels – Toggle x-axis labels & their display angle. Configure numerical units display.

Gridlines & Tickmarks – Customize which gridlines and tickmarks display along the x-axis.

X-Axis Range – Configure the minimum and maximum values visible on the y-axis. These default to “auto” and adjust to the range of your dataset. Not available for “Date” & “Time” data types.

Display X-Axis Line – Toggle the x-axis line that runs along the bottom of the chart between the bars and x-axis labels.

Y-Axis Configuration

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Secondary Axis – If you have a secondary y-axis, use the buttons at the top of the Y-Axis tab to switch between axis settings.

Data Type Settings

Data Type – Select a data type for y values (general, number, currency, date, time, percentage, scientific).

Format – Configure details on how Y values will display on the axis and labels. Date types also require you to select the date scale for the y-axis.

Appearance

Y-Axis Title – Toggle title display at top of chart and customize title text.

Y-Axis Labels – Toggle y-axis labels and adjust their display angle & position.

Gridlines & Tickmarks – Customize which gridlines and tickmarks display along the y-axis.

Y-Axis Range – Configure the minimum and maximum values visible on the y-axis. These default to “auto” and adjust to the range of your dataset. Not available for “Date” & “Time” data types.

Display Y-Axis Line – Toggle the y-axis line between the y-axis scale and the chart canvas.

Next: Configure the Chart Display Settings