A scatter plot shows the relationship between two sets of numbers

A scatter plot is a chart that displays pairs of data points on a grid. One set of numbers goes on the horizontal axis (left to right), and another set goes on the vertical axis (up and down). Each dot represents one pair of values. Scatter plots help you see whether two things move together — for example, whether people who spend more on groceries also spend more on utilities, or whether they move in opposite directions.

Excel can turn your data into a scatter plot in about three clicks. You do not need to sort the data first or set anything up in advance. If your numbers are already in a spreadsheet, you can create the chart when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Arrange your data in two columns side by side, with one set of numbers in each column, before you start.
  • Select both columns of data, then go to the Insert tab and choose the XY (Scatter) chart type.
  • Excel will place your data on the axes automatically, but you can change which column goes on which axis afterward.
  • Add a title and axis labels so anyone reading the chart understands what the dots represent.
  • You can move the chart to a different location in your spreadsheet or resize it by dragging its edges.

Arrange your data in two columns before you start

Open your spreadsheet and look at the data you want to chart. You need two columns of numbers — one for the horizontal axis and one for the vertical axis. Put them next to each other, with headers at the top if you want them. For example, if you are tracking hours studied and test scores, put the hours in column A and the scores in column B, with "Hours Studied" and "Test Score" as headers in row 1.

The data does not have to be sorted in any particular order. Excel will read the values as they are and plot each pair as a single dot. If your data is scattered across different parts of the spreadsheet, copy it into two adjacent columns first — this makes the next step simpler.

Select both columns and insert a scatter chart

Click on the first cell of your first data column (the header, if you have one). Hold down the mouse button and drag to the last cell of your second data column. This selects a rectangle that includes both columns and all the rows between them. You should see the selected area highlighted in blue.

Now go to the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon. Look for the Charts section. Click on the small arrow or icon labeled XY (Scatter). A menu will appear showing different scatter plot styles — the first option (dots only, no lines) is the standard choice. Click it, and Excel will create the chart and place it on your spreadsheet.

The chart appears on your spreadsheet and you can move it

Excel inserts the scatter plot as an object that sits on top of your data. You can click and drag it to a new location — just click anywhere on the chart border and drag it to the right, left, up, or down. You can also resize it by clicking and dragging the small squares at the corners and edges of the chart border.

If the chart is in the way of your data, move it to an empty area of the spreadsheet. If it is too small to read, drag a corner to make it larger. The chart stays linked to your data, so if you change a number in the original columns, the chart updates automatically.

Add a title and labels so the chart makes sense

Right now your chart probably has no title and the axes are labeled with generic names like "Series 1". To fix this, click on the chart to select it. A small plus sign (+) will appear in the top right corner. Click that plus sign and a menu will appear with options like "Chart Title" and "Axis Titles".

Check the box next to Chart Title to add a title at the top. A text box will appear that says "Chart Title" — click on it and type a real title, like "Hours Studied vs. Test Scores". Then check the boxes next to Primary Horizontal and Primary Vertical under Axis Titles to label the axes. Click each axis label and type what it represents — for example, "Hours Studied" for the horizontal axis and "Test Score" for the vertical axis.

Change which data goes on which axis if needed

Sometimes Excel puts your data on the axes in a way that does not match what you intended. If the wrong column is on the horizontal axis, you can swap them. Right-click on the chart and select Select Data. A dialog box will open showing your data series. You can see which column is assigned to the horizontal axis and which to the vertical axis.

To swap them, click on your data series in the list and then click Edit. You will see fields for "Series X values" and "Series Y values". The X values go on the horizontal axis and the Y values go on the vertical axis. If they are backwards, you can click in each field and select the correct column from your spreadsheet. Click OK when you are done, and the chart will redraw with the axes corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my data has more than two columns?

Select only the two columns you want to chart. If you select more, Excel will try to plot all of them, which creates a confusing chart. You can always create a second scatter plot with a different pair of columns if you want to see other relationships.

Can I change the color or size of the dots?

Yes. Right-click on any dot in the chart and select Format Data Series. You can change the color, size, and transparency of the dots. You can also remove the dots and add lines instead if you prefer to see the trend as a connected path.

What if one of my columns has text instead of numbers?

Scatter plots only work with numbers. If a column contains text, Excel will ignore it. Make sure both columns contain only numbers (and headers, if you use them).

How do I delete the chart if I change my mind?

Click on the chart to select it, then press the Delete key. The chart disappears, but your original data stays in place.