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This article was originally published on my ExcelCharts.com blog in 2008 and migrated to this site in 2026. The text preserves the context of the original publication.
This is the time for scatter plots in the 10 x 10 charting tips series:
- A scatter plot is square by definition (I forget that sometimes...);
- In some cases, it makes more sense to use a scatter plot than two column charts: for example, instead of having a column chart to display product market share and another chart to display product growth, consider merging both into a scatter plot (market share on the x axis and growth on the y axis);
- If you are plotting several data series, color code them instead of using different markers...
- ... but consider using several charts;
- In scatter plots, use empty circles as markers to let the reader see the overlapping points;
- Use a scatter plot matrix to analyze pairwise relationships between series;
- Use a scatter plot as an alternative to horizontal bar charts, like in a population pyramid;
- If needed, use a scatter plot instead of a line chart if you have an unevenly-spaced time series;
- You can use a scatter plot to create a basic map;
- An outline can ruin your scatter plot. If possible, remove it and explain it;
As you can see, you can use a scatter plot in Excel to create many other charts. Just use your imagination and share it in the comments.
