Scatter plots in Google Sheets - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This data shows heights in centimeters and weights in kilograms for 5 people.

Cell	Value
A1	Height (cm)
B1	Weight (kg)
A2	150
B2	50
A3	160
B3	60
A4	170
B4	65
A5	180
B5	70
A6	190
B6	80

Formula Trace

Insert > Chart > Chart type: Scatter chart

Step 1: Select data range A1:B6

Step 2: Insert > Chart

Step 3: Chart editor > Setup > Chart type: Scatter chart

Step 4: X-axis: Height (cm), Y-axis: Weight (kg)

Step 5: Chart displays points: (150,50), (160,60), (170,65), (180,70), (190,80)

Cell Reference Map

    A       B
1 Height  Weight
2  150      50
3  160      60
4  170      65
5  180      70
6  190      80

Data range A1:B6 is selected for the scatter plot.

The scatter plot uses the data from columns A and B, rows 1 to 6.

Result

Scatter Plot:

Y-axis (Weight)
|
|        *
|       *
|      *
|     *
|    *
|____________________
     X-axis (Height)

Points represent each person's height and weight.

The scatter plot shows points rising diagonally, indicating that weight tends to increase with height.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

Which column is used for the X-axis in the scatter plot?

A Height (cm)

B Weight (kg)

C Both Height and Weight

D Neither column

Key Result

Scatter plots use two columns of numeric data: one for X-axis and one for Y-axis to show relationships.

Practice

1. What does a scatter plot primarily show in Google Sheets?

easy

A. The relationship between two sets of numbers

B. The total sum of a data column

C. The average value of a dataset

D. The frequency of a single number

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand scatter plot purpose

   A scatter plot displays points representing pairs of values from two data sets.

2. Step 2: Identify what it shows

   It shows how two variables relate or if there's a pattern between them.

3. Final Answer:

   The relationship between two sets of numbers -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Scatter plot = relationship between two data sets [OK]

Hint: Scatter plots compare two data sets visually [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking it shows totals or averages
• Confusing with bar or pie charts
• Assuming it shows frequency counts

2. Which menu option do you use in Google Sheets to insert a scatter plot?

easy

A. Tools > Script editor

B. Data > Pivot table

C. Format > Conditional formatting

D. Insert > Chart

Solution

1. Step 1: Locate chart insertion

   Scatter plots are created by inserting a chart from the Insert menu.

2. Step 2: Choose correct menu path

   Insert > Chart opens chart options including scatter plot type.

3. Final Answer:

   Insert > Chart -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Insert menu > Chart for scatter plots [OK]

Hint: Insert menu always has chart options [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing Data or Format menus instead
• Looking for scatter plot outside Insert menu
• Confusing with script editor tools

3. Given data in columns A and B, what will the scatter plot show if column A has values 1, 2, 3 and column B has values 2, 4, 6?

medium

A. A horizontal line at value 3

B. Points forming a straight line showing a doubling pattern

C. Random scattered points with no pattern

D. A vertical line at value 2

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze data pairs

   Pairs are (1,2), (2,4), (3,6) showing B is double A.

2. Step 2: Understand scatter plot pattern

   Points will align on a straight line with slope 2, showing doubling.

3. Final Answer:

   Points forming a straight line showing a doubling pattern -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Scatter plot shows linear doubling pattern [OK]

Hint: Look for simple numeric relationships in pairs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming points are random
• Confusing line directions
• Thinking it forms horizontal or vertical lines

4. You created a scatter plot but it shows all points in a straight vertical line. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. Y data column has identical values, X varies

B. Both X and Y data columns have the same values

C. X data column has identical values, Y varies

D. Data contains text instead of numbers

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand vertical line in scatter plot

   A vertical line means all X values are the same, Y values differ.

2. Step 2: Identify cause from options

   X data column has identical values, Y varies states X data identical, Y varies, matching the vertical line cause.

3. Final Answer:

   X data column has identical values, Y varies -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Vertical line = same X values [OK]

Hint: Vertical line means X values don't change [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking identical Y values cause vertical line
• Assuming text data causes vertical line
• Confusing vertical with horizontal line causes

5. You want to compare sales and advertising spend for 12 months using a scatter plot in Google Sheets. Which steps correctly create this scatter plot?

hard

A. Select sales and advertising columns, then Insert > Chart, choose Scatter chart type

B. Select sales column only, then Insert > Chart, choose Scatter chart type

C. Select advertising column only, then Insert > Chart, choose Line chart type

D. Select sales and advertising columns, then Insert > Chart, choose Pie chart type

Solution

1. Step 1: Select both data columns

   Scatter plots need two sets of data to compare, so select sales and advertising columns.

2. Step 2: Insert scatter chart

   Go to Insert > Chart and choose Scatter chart type to plot the relationship.

3. Final Answer:

   Select sales and advertising columns, then Insert > Chart, choose Scatter chart type -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Select two columns + Scatter chart = correct plot [OK]

Hint: Always select both data sets before inserting scatter chart [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Selecting only one column
• Choosing wrong chart type like pie or line
• Not selecting data before inserting chart