Scatter plots in Excel - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a scatter plot used for in Excel?

A scatter plot shows the relationship between two sets of numbers by plotting points on an X and Y axis. It helps to see patterns or trends.

beginner

How do you create a scatter plot in Excel?

Select your two columns of data, go to the Insert tab, click on the Scatter chart icon, and choose the style you want.

beginner

What do the X and Y axes represent in a scatter plot?

The X axis shows the independent variable, and the Y axis shows the dependent variable you want to compare or analyze.

intermediate

How can you add a trendline to a scatter plot in Excel?

Click on any data point in the scatter plot, then right-click and choose 'Add Trendline'. You can select the type of trendline you want.

intermediate

Why would you use a scatter plot instead of a bar chart?

Scatter plots show how two variables relate to each other with points, while bar charts compare amounts. Scatter plots are better for spotting correlations.

What type of data is best for a scatter plot?

A One set of text data

B Single numbers

C Dates only

D Two sets of numerical data

Scatter plots require two numerical data sets to plot points on X and Y axes.

Where do you find the scatter plot option in Excel?

A Data tab > Sort & Filter group

B Home tab > Clipboard group

C Insert tab > Charts group

D Review tab > Comments group

Scatter plots are inserted from the Insert tab under the Charts group.

What does a trendline in a scatter plot show?

A The relationship or pattern between variables

B The average value of data points

C The total sum of data points

D The labels of data points

A trendline helps visualize the pattern or correlation between the two variables.

If your scatter plot points form a straight line going up, what does it mean?

A No relationship

B Positive correlation

C Random data

D Negative correlation

A rising line means as one variable increases, the other also increases, showing positive correlation.

Can scatter plots show categories like 'Apples' or 'Oranges'?

A No, scatter plots need numbers

B Yes, directly

C Only if you use colors

D Only in 3D scatter plots

Scatter plots require numerical data for both axes, not text categories.

Explain how to create and customize a scatter plot in Excel.

Think about the steps from selecting data to adding extra features.

Describe when and why you would use a scatter plot instead of other chart types.

Focus on the purpose and data type for scatter plots.