How to make scatter plot on Google sheets?

How to Create a Scatter Plot in Google Sheets

A scatter plot is a type of graph that displays the relationship between two variables. It is a useful tool for understanding the data and identifying patterns or trends. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create a scatter plot in Google Sheets.

Step 1: Select the Data

Before you can create a scatter plot, you need to select the data you want to use. You can use the following methods:

• Using a range of cells: Select the range of cells that contains the data you want to use. For example, if you want to create a scatter plot of the sales data for each city, select the range A1:C10 in cell A1.
• Using a filter: Filter the data by a specific condition. For example, you can filter the sales data by city using the filter tool in the "Data" menu.
• Using a formula: Use a formula to filter the data. For example, you can use the =FILTER() function to filter the data.

Step 2: Prepare the Data

Once you have selected the data, you need to prepare it for the scatter plot. Here are some steps to follow:

• Check the data type: Make sure the data type is correct. Scatter plots work best with numerical data.
• Check for missing values: Make sure there are no missing values in the data.
• Check for outliers: Check for outliers by excluding values that are more than 2 standard deviations away from the mean.

Step 3: Create the Scatter Plot

To create the scatter plot, follow these steps:

• Select the range: Select the range of cells that contains the data.
• Go to the Insert tab: Go to the "Insert" tab in the menu bar.
• Click on Scatter Plot: Click on the "Scatter Plot" tool in the "Charts" group.
• Choose the type: Choose the type of scatter plot you want to create. You can choose from a variety of options, including a line plot, a bar chart, and a pie chart.

Step 4: Customize the Plot

Once you have created the scatter plot, you can customize it to your liking:

• Change the title: Change the title of the plot to make it more descriptive.
• Change the x-axis label: Change the label for the x-axis to make it more descriptive.
• Change the y-axis label: Change the label for the y-axis to make it more descriptive.
• Add a legend: Add a legend to the plot to explain the colors and symbols used.

Step 5: Analyze the Plot

A scatter plot can help you identify patterns or trends in the data. Here are some ways to analyze the plot:

• Check for correlation: Check if there is a correlation between the two variables by looking at the scatter plot.
• Check for outliers: Check if there are any outliers in the data that are more than 2 standard deviations away from the mean.
• Check for relationships: Check if there are any relationships between the variables, such as a positive or negative correlation.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a consistent scale: Use a consistent scale for the x and y axes to make the plot easier to read.
• Use a clear title: Use a clear title for the plot to make it more descriptive.
• Use a legend: Use a legend to explain the colors and symbols used in the plot.
• Save the plot: Save the plot as a new chart to keep it separate from the original data.

Google Sheets Formula to Create a Scatter Plot

If you want to create a scatter plot in Google Sheets, you can use the following formula:

= scatter(data1, data2, 'Scatter')

Where:

• data1 is the range of cells that contains the data.
• data2 is the range of cells that contains the data.
• 'Scatter' is the type of scatter plot you want to create.

Using VLOOKUP to Create a Scatter Plot

If you want to create a scatter plot using VLOOKUP, you can use the following formula:

=VLOOKUP(A1, B:C, 2, FALSE)

Where:

• A1 is the range of cells that contains the data.
• B:C is the range of cells that contains the data.
• 2 is the column number that contains the x-coordinates.
• FALSE is the return an array of FALSEs.

Using INDEX-MATCH to Create a Scatter Plot

If you want to create a scatter plot using INDEX-MATCH, you can use the following formula:

=INDEX(C:C, MATCH(A1, B:B, 0))

Where:

• A1 is the range of cells that contains the data.
• B:B is the range of cells that contains the data.
• C:C is the range of cells that contains the data.
• MATCH(A1, B:B, 0) returns the row number of the first occurrence of A1 in B:B.
• INDEX(C:C, MATCH(A1, B:B, 0)) returns the value in C:C at the row number returned by MATCH.

Conclusion

Creating a scatter plot in Google Sheets is a straightforward process that requires some basic knowledge of spreadsheets. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a scatter plot to help you understand your data and identify patterns or trends. Remember to customize the plot to your liking, analyze the plot to identify correlations or relationships, and save the plot as a new chart to keep it separate from the original data.