Sometimes, you might find yourself in a situation whereby you only need two columns of quantitative data to digest and supplement your data needs. This mostly happens when you want to find out the relationship between one set of data and the other values. In the scenario, a scatter plot is the ideal data visualization tool to analyze the data.

However, the only challenge is how to come up with the scatter plot and present your data values. Creating a scatter plot in Excel is one of the most accessible options that you can choose to solve all your comparison data needs. You only need to ensure that you have the correct data values and access to Microsoft Excel before hitting the ground running.

Scatter Plot in Excel

A scatterplot is also known as an XY graph or a scatter diagram. It mainly refers to a two-dimensional chart showcasing the relationship existing between different data values. When using a scatter plot generator to present your data values, both the horizontal and vertical axes refer to value axes used when plotting numerical data.

However, the independent variable is located on the x-axis while the dependent variable is on the y-axis. This data visualization tool presents values at the x and y axes intersection. The two are combined into a single data point used in identifying crucial values when comparing different variables.

The ultimate goal of a scatter plot is to showcase the strength of the existing relationship between different data points. Note that the tighter the data points fall in line, the correlation of the data is described to be strong. This means that you need to be extremely keen when observing your data points to come up with reliable feedback after the data analysis.

Arranging Data for a Scatter Plot

Microsoft Excel offers its users many templates that you can customize and use depending on your needs. With the aid of these templates, the process of creating a scatter plot becomes more manageable since you don't need to hit around the bush before coming to a lasting solution to cover your needs.

You can easily create a scatter plot within minutes since it is a matter of several clicks, and you have the job done. However, it would help if you began by arranging your data correctly to make it easier for the data visualization tool to digest and help you generate vital insights that can impact your business growth.

A scatter plot shows a couple of interrelated variables to point out the relationship within the data sets. You need to enter two numeric data sets in different sections. To make the chart easily digestible, it is advised to enter the independent variable on the left column since the column will be plotted on the x-axis of your plot.

Due to the fact that the dependent variable will be affected by the independent variable, it should be presented in the right column. This section will later be plotted on the y-axis of the chart. When you realize that the dependent column comes before the independent column in your data presentation, you can change them in a worksheet by swapping the x and y-axes directly on the chart.

Creating a Scatter Plot in Excel

When you want to create a scatter plot in Excel, you can choose to get the job done using a scatter plot maker Excel, install an add-on such as ChartExpo, which makes the process easier, or use the manual way of doing things. The ChartExpo add-in comes with multiple other options that allow users to create exceptional charts.

Creating a scatter plot in Excel only takes a couple of steps, and you have the entire job done. Once you have all your data ready for presentation, you need to run and install the ChartExpo add-in to enhance efficiency and make the work easier. After installing your ChartExpo add-in, export your data into two columns in Microsoft Excel.

Begin by selecting the two columns with numeric data with the inclusion of the column headers. Once all the figures and headers are highlighted, click on the Insert tab and select ChartExpo. Explore the ChartExpo tab and click on the scatter plot from the drop-down menu. Immediately you click on the scatter plot button, the chart will appear immediately.

At this point, you can either consider the entire work done or go the extra mile to customize the chart and make possible changes depending on your needs. Remember that the changes you make on the chart are only meant to enhance the beauty and make the chart appealing and display the available relationship in a manner that the target audience can understand mnsud2l.

Issues that Arise When Using a Scatter Plot

1. Overplotting

When you have multiple data points that you need to plot, you will likely make an overplotting mistake. But what does overplotting refer to? This is a scenario whereby data points overlap to the extent of making it difficult to point out the relationship between the variables. Besides, it can be challenging to tell the density of the packed data values.

To ensure that you don’t encounter such challenges in your data operations, you only need to point out a subset of data or select random data values to give you the way forward. Also, you can opt to change the form of the dots to make the chart visible for your audience to interpret.

2. Identifying Correlation as Causation

Once you have created your scatter plot in Excel, you need to understand the difference between correlation and causation. Just because you analyze the relationship between two different variables, it does not mean that the two change into a single variable. You may realize that other third-party variable effects mainly trigger the existing relationship at some point.

This brings out the common phrase in statistics whereby correlation does not imply causation. Once you understand all these variables, you can easily interpret a scatter plot in Excel.

Bottom Line

Creating a scatter plot in Excel is extremely an easy task that you can complete within the shortest time possible. Once you have installed the ChartExpo add-in, you stand a chance to enjoy multiple features and also enhance efficiency. Besides, you can make proper editing on your scatter plot until you have a presentable visual for your data and website.