Scatter and Bubble Chart Visualization in Excel

Scatter Charts and Bubble Charts display many related data in one Chart. In both of these charts, the X – axis displays one numeric field and the Y-axis displays another. It helps to specify the relationship between two values for all the items in the chart easily. In Bubble charts, a third numeric field controls the size of the data points.

Scatter Chart Visualization

A scatter chart always displays two value axes: one set of numerical data along the horizontal axis and another set of numerical values along the vertical axis. Each dot in the scatter chart below represents a month, with Quarter on the horizontal X axis and Sales on the vertical Y axis. Power view may spread these data points over the horizontal axis in an even or uneven manner. It is determined by the data that the chart represents. You can also create an X-Y Scatter plot which can help you to visualize your chart more easily.

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, an extension of a Scatter plot, is widely used to depict correlations between three or more numerical variables. A single data point is represented by each bubble in a chart. Each bubble’s value is represented by 1) its horizontal location on the x-axis, 2) its vertical position on the y-axis, and 3) its size. The color of the bubble or its movement in animation can sometimes symbolize additional dimensions.

By adding a third numeric column that determines the size of the data points, you may change the Scatter Chart visualization to the Bubble Chart visualization.

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.

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.

Step 3: Preview the Inserted Chart

You can now Preview the Inserted Bubble Chart.

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.