A Scatter Chart in Excel displays the relationship between two numeric values using dots on X and Y axes, making patterns and correlations easy to identify. A Bubble Chart extends a scatter chart by adding a third numeric dimension through bubble size, allowing visualization of three or more variables simultaneously.
Scatter Chart Visualization
A scatter chart always shows two value axes: a horizontal (X) axis and a vertical (Y) axis. Each dot represents a data point—for example, months with Quarter on the X-axis and Sales on the Y-axis. Power View may spread data points evenly or unevenly, depending on the dataset. An X-Y scatter plot can further help visualize relationships clearly.
How to Create a Scatter Chart in Excel
The following step-by-step example illustrates how to make a scatter chart in Excel:
Step 1: Make a table with only one category value. Select the Months, Sales, and Quarter fields. This Month is a category field, whereas Sales and Quarter are numeric fields.
Step 2: Select the Table. Navigate to the DESIGN tab. In the Switch Visualization group, choose Other Chart. Choose Scatter from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: The table will be transformed into a scatter chart. The data points are shown as circles of the same size, demonstrating how the Quarter and sales figures for each sport are connected. The X-Axis represents the quarter, while the Y-Axis represents sales.
Step 4: In the Power View Fields pane, the quarter is under area - X VALUE. In the Power View Fields pane, the sales are under area - Y VALUE. In the Power View Fields pane, the Months are under the area - DETAILS.
What is Bubble Chart Visualization in Excel
A bubble chart represents correlations between three or more numeric variables. Each bubble’s:
- X-axis position shows one numeric value,
- Y-axis position shows another numeric value,
- Size represents a third numeric value.
Colors or animation can represent additional dimensions.
How to Create a Bubble Chart in Excel
Step 1: Open Sheet and Select the Data
Go to the Excel sheet in which you want to insert the Bubble Chart and Select the required Data Set.
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Step 2: Find the Insert Tab and Select Charts
Click on Insert Tab and under Charts Section Click on Bubble Chart from the Drop down.
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Step 3: Preview the Inserted Chart
You can now Preview the Inserted Bubble Chart.
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How to Convert Scatter Chart Visualization into Bubble Chart Visualization
Step 1: Drag the Percentage of Sales field from the active fields to the ∑ Size area. The Scatter chart will be replaced by a Bubble chart.
Step 2: The table will be transformed into a Bubble chart. The X-Axis represents the quarter, while the Y-Axis represents sales. The size of each bubble represents the percentage of sales. The Month is displayed in the Data Labels.
Data Exploration using Bubble Chart Visualization
You may use Bubble Chart to study data in a variety of ways. You will comprehend the many ways for data visualization available to you. However your mouse over a bubble. The size of the bubble corresponds to the value of this year's sales.
Select the Bubble. Only that one Bubble will be highlighted. The remaining Bubbles will be inactive.
Play Axis Visualization
You may add a time dimension to scatter and bubble charts using a PLAY AXIS to see how data changes over time. Drag a Months field with time values to the Play Axis box after selecting the bubble or scatter chart.
The bottom of the chart now has a 'play' button and a timeline. When you press the play button, the bubbles move, expand, and contract to indicate how the values vary depending on the play axis. You may pause at any time to examine the facts in greater depth. When you click a bubble on the chart, you can see its history in the path it has taken throughout time.
Bubble Chart And Table Combination
By adding a Table to the same Power View, you may see the interactive features of the Bubble Chart presentation.
Select the Months, Sales, Quarters, and percentage of sales fields. Adjust the Bubble Chart and Table locations to appear as seen above. The values of the data points highlighted in the Bubble Chart are shown in the table.