How to Create and Customize a Bubble Chart in Excel

Bubble charts are a great way to visualize and compare three sets of data simultaneously. They’re particularly useful when you have a dataset with three variables.

1. Creating a Bubble Chart

Go to the Insert tab in Excel.
Click on Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart.
Choose either Bubble or 3-D Bubble.

A blank chart will be created.
Right-click on the blank chart and choose Select Data.

Click on Add to add series data.

Choose a Series name.
Select the appropriate X and Y values (e.g., C5:C9 for X and D5:D9 for Y).
Choose the bubble size (e.g., E5:E9) and click OK.

This will create a 2-D bubble chart.

If you prefer a 3-D bubble chart, select that option from the chart settings.

2. Customizing the Bubble Chart in Excel

2.1 Add data Labels

Click on the Chart Elements icon and check the box for Data Labels.
Position the labels as needed.

2.2 Add Axis Title

Check the box for Axis Titles in the Chart Elements menu.
Customize the axis titles based on your preference.

2.3 Apply a Different layout

Go to the Chart Design tab.
Choose a chart layout that suits your requirements.

The chart layout will update accordingly.

2.4 Change Color, Outline and Effects

Click on the Chart Styles icon and select the Color tab.
Choose a color combination to change the bubble colors.

The bubbles in the chart will have your chosen color.

You can further format the chart by double-clicking on it to open a side panel with additional options (e.g., Fill, Border).

3. Creating a Bubble Map in Excel

Select the cells containing your data (e.g., B4 to C18).
Go to Insert, select Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart and choose Scatter.

Right-click on the chart and choose Change Chart Type.

Select X Y (Scatter) and then choose Bubble.
Press OK to convert it into a bubble chart.

Right-click on the chart and choose Select Data.

Click on Edit to open the Edit Series box.

Choose the bubble size (e.g., E5:E18) and press OK.

Add Data Labels as before.

Adding a World Map Image:

Double-click on the plot area to open the Format Plot Area side panel.
Click on the Fill & Line icon and select Picture or Texture Fill.
Click Insert under the Picture Source option.

Insert an image of the world map (from your PC or online).

You now have your desired bubble map.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here:

Bubble_Chart_in_Excel.xlsx

Things to Remember

Format data labels, bubble size, and color to enhance chart readability.
Ensure correct X and Y values so that bubbles overlap correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Bubble Chart in Data Visualization?
- A bubble chart is a useful way to visualize data with two to four dimensions. In this chart:
  - Two dimensions are visualized as coordinates (typically X and Y).
  - The third dimension is represented by the color of the bubbles.
  - The fourth dimension is reflected in the size of the bubbles.
Difference Between Bubbles and Scatter Plots:
- Scatter plots are ideal for datasets with two variables. They show the relationship between these two variables.
- Bubble charts, on the other hand, are used when you need to present and analyze a dataset that has three variables. They provide additional information through bubble size and color.
Advantages of Bubble Charts in Excel:
- Bubble charts help:
  - Explain complex data patterns.
  - Analyze data involving three variables.
  - Make datasets more comprehensible by visualizing multiple dimensions.