How to Create a Scatter Plot in Excel – Easy Steps

 

This is the sample dataset.

The independent variable should be in the left column and the dependent variable in the right column.

 

How to Set Up Data for a Scatter Plot


Steps:

  • Choose three columns, including the column titles. Here,  B4: D14.
  • Click Charts in the Insert tab.
  • Click Scatter and choose a template.
  • Click the first thumbnail to add a simple scatter graph.

Step-by-Step Procedures to Make a Scatter Plot in Excel

The scatter plot will be added to your worksheet:

In the plot above, three columns are shown in two separate lines. The x-axis shows the number of months.

 

Scatter graph with Smooth Lines

Steps:

  • Select all columns, including the column titles. Here, B4: D14.
  • Go to the Insert tab, click Scatter and select the following:

Scatter Plot with Smooth Lines in Excel

This is the output.

Scatter with Smooth Lines


Scatter Graph with Smooth Lines and Markers

Steps:

  • Select the entire dataset with column headings.
  • Go to the Insert tab and select Scatter.
  • Choose Smooth Line with Markers.

Scatter Plot with Smooth Lines and Markers in Excel

This is the output.

Scatter with Smooth Lines and Markers


Scatter Graph with Straight Lines

Steps:

  • Follow the steps described in Scatter graph with Smooth Lines.
  • Select Scatter with Straight Lines.

Scatter Plot with Straight Lines in Excel

This is the output.


Scatter Graph with Straight Lines and Markers

 

Scattering Plot with Straight Lines and Markers in Excel

This is the output.

Scattering with Straight Lines and Markers


Customizing an XY Scatter Plot in Excel

Adjust the Axis Scale

To reduce the distance between the initial data point and the vertical axis:

Steps:

  • Right-click the axis you want to adjust. Select Format Axis.

Adjust Axis Scale in Scatter Plot in Excel

  • In the Format Axis panel, set Minimum and Maximum (here, 10 and 5).

Adjust Axis Scale

You can also change the spacing between grid lines by changing the Major (here, to 1) and Minor values.

This is the output.


Add Labels to the Data Points

Steps:

  • Select the plot and click the Chart Element button ( ‘+’ ).
  • Check Data Labels and select the label placement.

Add Labels to Scatter Plot Data Points in Excel

  • In More, select Format Data Labels.
  • Click Label Options. You can choose to show the Y-axis value and the label placement.

Add Labels to Scatter Plot Data Points

Enable the X Value and disable the Y Value for Apple.

Enable the Data Label for Advertisement.

This is the output.


Insert a Trendline

This is the output.

Insert Trendline


Add a Title to the Axes

Steps:

  • Select the plot and click Chart Element ( ‘+’).
  • Select Axis Titles.
  • Edit the axis name.

Add Title to Axes in Scatter plot in Excel

  • This is the output.


Things to Remember

  • Labels of points that are close to each other may overlap: click the label that overlaps and use the four-sided arrow to move it.
  • To modify properties, change each line separately.

Download Practice Workbook

Download the practice workbook here.


Make Scatter Plot in Excel: Knowledge Hub


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Nasir Muhammad Munim
Nasir Muhammad Munim

Nasir Muhammad Munim has been an Excel and VBA Content Developer for over a year in Exceldemy and published more than 30 articles for the website. He is passionate about exploring new aspects of Excel and VBA. He received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Islamic University of Technology. Apart from creating Excel tutorials, he is interested in developing PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Android applications. He is fascinated by CAD-based designing systems and building... Read Full Bio

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