Scatter plots in Power BI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a scatter plot used for in Power BI?

A scatter plot shows the relationship between two numeric variables by plotting points on an X and Y axis. It helps find patterns or correlations.

beginner

Which fields do you need to create a basic scatter plot in Power BI?

You need at least two numeric fields: one for the X axis and one for the Y axis. Optionally, you can add a field for size or color to add more detail.

intermediate

How can you add more information to a scatter plot in Power BI?

You can add a 'Details' field to show categories, a 'Size' field to change point size by value, and a 'Legend' field to color points by category.

beginner

What does it mean if points in a scatter plot form a clear upward line?

It means there is a positive correlation: as one variable increases, the other tends to increase too.

intermediate

Why should you avoid using too many points in a scatter plot?

Too many points can make the plot cluttered and hard to read. It’s better to filter or aggregate data for clarity.

What type of data is best for the X and Y axes in a scatter plot?

A Numeric data

B Text data

C Date data only

D Boolean data

Scatter plots require numeric data on both axes to show relationships between values.

In Power BI, which field can you add to change the size of points in a scatter plot?

A Details

B Legend

C Size

D Tooltip

The 'Size' field controls how big each point appears based on a numeric value.

What does a scatter plot help you identify?

A Exact totals

B Data tables

C Text categories

D Trends and correlations

Scatter plots visually show trends and correlations between two numeric variables.

Which Power BI feature helps you see categories by color in a scatter plot?

A Details

B Legend

C Size

D X axis

The 'Legend' field colors points by category to differentiate groups.

What should you do if your scatter plot looks too crowded?

A Filter or aggregate data

B Add more data points

C Remove axes

D Change colors randomly

Filtering or aggregating data reduces clutter and makes the plot easier to understand.

Explain how to create a scatter plot in Power BI and what each field option does.

Think about the roles of axes and how size and color add meaning.

Describe what patterns you might see in a scatter plot and what they mean for your data.

Consider how points line up or group together.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of a scatter plot in Power BI?

easy

A. To show the relationship between two numeric variables

B. To display data in a pie chart format

C. To list data in rows and columns

D. To create a map visualization

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand scatter plot basics

   A scatter plot uses two numeric axes to show how two variables relate to each other.

2. Step 2: Compare with other chart types

   Pie charts show parts of a whole, tables list data, and maps show locations, not relationships between numbers.

3. Final Answer:

   To show the relationship between two numeric variables -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Scatter plot = relationship between numbers [OK]

Hint: Scatter plots always compare two numeric values [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing scatter plots with pie charts
• Thinking scatter plots show categories only
• Using scatter plots for non-numeric data

2. Which of the following is the correct way to assign data fields in a Power BI scatter plot?

easy

A. Assign date data to Size and text data to X Axis

B. Assign text data to X Axis and Y Axis, numeric data to Legend

C. Assign numeric data to Legend only

D. Assign numeric data to X Axis and Y Axis, optional Legend for categories

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify correct field types for axes

   Scatter plots require numeric data on X and Y axes to plot points in 2D space.

2. Step 2: Understand optional fields

   Legend can be used for categories (text), and Size can represent numeric values for point size.

3. Final Answer:

   Assign numeric data to X Axis and Y Axis, optional Legend for categories -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Numeric on axes + Legend for categories [OK]

Hint: X and Y axes must be numeric for scatter plots [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Putting text data on X or Y axes
• Using Legend for numeric axes
• Assigning date data incorrectly

3. Given a scatter plot with Sales on X Axis and Profit on Y Axis, what pattern would you expect if higher sales generally lead to higher profit?

medium

A. Points are randomly scattered with no pattern

B. Points form a horizontal line

C. Points trend upward from left to right

D. Points trend downward from left to right

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand relationship between Sales and Profit

   If higher sales lead to higher profit, as sales increase (X axis), profit (Y axis) should also increase.

2. Step 2: Visualize the scatter plot pattern

   This creates an upward trend from left (low sales) to right (high sales).

3. Final Answer:

   Points trend upward from left to right -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Positive correlation = upward trend [OK]

Hint: Positive correlation means points go up left to right [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing upward and downward trends
• Expecting horizontal line for correlation
• Ignoring relationship direction

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

medium

A. X Axis has the same value for all data points

B. Y Axis has the same value for all data points

C. Legend field is missing

D. Size field is assigned text data

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze vertical line pattern

   A vertical line means all points share the same X coordinate but vary in Y.

2. Step 2: Identify cause in data assignment

   If X Axis data is constant for all points, they align vertically.

3. Final Answer:

   X Axis has the same value for all data points -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Same X value = vertical line [OK]

Hint: Same X values cause vertical line in scatter plot [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking missing Legend causes vertical line
• Confusing vertical with horizontal line causes
• Assigning text to Size field causing this

5. You want to highlight different product categories in a scatter plot showing Sales (X Axis) vs Profit (Y Axis). Which field should you add to best achieve this?

hard

A. Add Product Category to X Axis

B. Add Product Category to Legend

C. Add Product Category to Size

D. Add Product Category to Y Axis

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand how to differentiate categories visually

   Legend assigns colors or markers to categories, making groups visible in scatter plots.

2. Step 2: Evaluate other field assignments

   Adding categories to Size or axes is incorrect because axes require numeric data, and Size is numeric for point size.

3. Final Answer:

   Add Product Category to Legend -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Legend = category colors in scatter plot [OK]

Hint: Use Legend for categories to color points [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Putting categories on numeric axes
• Using Size for categories instead of numeric values
• Not using Legend to differentiate groups