How to Make a Scatter Plot in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step)

Introduction

Scatter plots are a powerful tool in Google Sheets for showcasing trends and relationships in data. Unlike other graph types, scatter plots are ideal when data points are scattered but still follow a pattern. Additionally, they effectively display clusters of data and outliers. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to create a scatter plot in Google Sheets, add a trendline, and utilize error bars for enhanced data analysis.

Creating a Scatter Plot in Google Sheets

To create a scatter plot in Google Sheets, follow these simple steps:

1. Select the columns you want to compare by clicking and holding the shift key, then left-clicking on the column names.
2. Open the “Chart editor” by either clicking “Insert” and “Chart,” or by clicking the “Chart” icon from the top submenu.
3. Within the “Chart editor,” click on “Chart type” and choose “Scatter chart” from the options menu.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a scatter plot chart in Google Sheets.

Adding a Trendline to a Scatter Plot

A trendline visually represents the overall relationship between X and Y coordinates in a scatter plot. Here’s how to add a trendline to your scatter plot:

1. Open the chart editor by clicking on the three dots icon located at the top right of the graph, then select “Edit chart” from the pop-up menu.
2. Click the “Customize” tab, expand the “Series” section, and check the box next to “Trendline.”

Your scatter plot will now showcase a trendline, providing a clearer depiction of data trends.

Utilizing Error Bars in a Scatter Plot

Error bars are a valuable tool in scatter plots, indicating the reliability or deviation of each data point from the trendline. To add error bars to your scatter plot, follow these steps:

1. Access the chart editor by clicking on the three dots icon, then selecting “Edit chart.”
2. Go to the “Customize” tab, expand the “Series” section, and check the box next to “Error bars.”

Your scatter plot will now display error bars, providing insights into the alignment of data points with the trendline.

Interpreting Scatter Plot Data

Once a scatter plot includes trendlines and error bars, it becomes easier to derive valuable insights. Let’s examine the information conveyed by a scatter plot:

• Our dataset exhibits two distinct clusters: one around 2,000 sq. ft. for $125,000 and another around 2,500 sq. ft., also priced at approximately $125,000.
• These clusters indicate a slight increase in cost when moving from 2,000 to 2,500 sq. ft., with competitively priced properties within those ranges.

Scatter plots excel at revealing such clusters compared to bar and line charts.

Moreover, scatter plots effectively showcase off-trend data clusters. In our example, the chart highlights several larger properties as overpriced through large error bars and their distance from the trendline.

By following this tutorial, you’ll quickly become adept at creating and enhancing scatter plot graphs in Google Sheets. However, remember that scatter plots may not suit all datasets. Flat trendlines or large error bars indicate a lack of trend in the data.

I hope you found this Google Sheets charting tutorial helpful! For more informative tutorials, visit Mr Reviews.