Scatter plots in Tableau - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a scatter plot used for in Tableau?

A scatter plot shows the relationship between two numerical variables by displaying points on a two-dimensional graph, helping to identify patterns or correlations.

beginner

How do you create a scatter plot in Tableau?

Drag one measure to the Columns shelf and another measure to the Rows shelf, then add a dimension to the Detail or Color mark to differentiate points.

beginner

What does adding color to points in a scatter plot do?

Color helps group or categorize points by a dimension, making it easier to compare different groups within the data.

beginner

Why is it important to label axes clearly in a scatter plot?

Clear axis labels help viewers understand what each axis represents, making the plot easier to read and interpret.

beginner

What can you learn from the pattern of points in a scatter plot?

You can see if there is a positive, negative, or no correlation between the two variables, and identify clusters or outliers.

What do the points in a scatter plot represent?

A Only one numerical value per point

B Individual data records with two numerical values

C Summary totals of categories

D Text labels for categories

Each point represents one data record plotted by two numerical values on the X and Y axes.

Which Tableau shelf do you use to place the first measure for a scatter plot?

A Columns shelf

B Filters shelf

C Pages shelf

D Marks shelf

The first measure is placed on the Columns shelf to define the X-axis.

How can you add categories to a scatter plot in Tableau?

A Use the Pages shelf only

B Add a measure to Filters shelf

C Drag a dimension to Color or Detail on the Marks card

D Place a dimension on the Columns shelf

Adding a dimension to Color or Detail groups points by category visually.

What does a tight cluster of points in a scatter plot usually indicate?

A Strong relationship or similarity

B No relationship

C Data errors

D Random distribution

A tight cluster shows many points have similar values, indicating a relationship or grouping.

Why should you avoid overlapping points in a scatter plot?

A It changes the data values

B It improves readability

C It reduces the number of data points

D It makes it hard to see individual data points

Overlapping points hide data details and reduce clarity.

Explain how to build a scatter plot in Tableau and why it is useful.

Think about the steps and what the plot reveals about data.

Describe best practices for making scatter plots easy to understand.

Consider what helps a viewer quickly grasp the data story.

Practice

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

easy

A. To show the relationship between two numeric variables

B. To display the total sales over time

C. To list all categories in a table format

D. To create a pie chart of proportions

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand scatter plot basics and compare options

   A scatter plot displays points representing two numeric values on X and Y axes. Only 'To show the relationship between two numeric variables' describes this core purpose.

2. Final Answer:

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

3. Quick Check:

   Scatter plot = relationship between two numbers [OK]

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

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing scatter plots with line charts
• Thinking scatter plots show totals or categories only
• Assuming scatter plots are for single variable data

2. Which of the following is the correct way to create a scatter plot in Tableau?

easy

A. Drag two dimensions to the Color shelf

B. Drag a dimension to Columns and a measure to Rows

C. Drag one numeric field to Columns and another numeric field to Rows

D. Drag a measure to Filters and a dimension to Tooltip

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall scatter plot setup and evaluate options

   Scatter plots require two numeric fields, one on Columns and one on Rows. Only 'Drag one numeric field to Columns and another numeric field to Rows' creates a scatter plot.

2. Final Answer:

   Drag one numeric field to Columns and another numeric field to Rows -> Option C

3. Quick Check:

   Scatter plot = numeric on Columns and Rows [OK]

Hint: Scatter plots need two numeric fields on axes [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using dimensions instead of numeric fields on axes
• Placing fields only on Color or Tooltip shelves
• Trying to create scatter plots with filters only

3. Given a scatter plot with Sales on Columns and Profit on Rows, what does a point far to the right but low on the Y-axis represent?

medium

A. Low sales but high profit

B. Low sales and low profit

C. High profit and high sales

D. High sales but low profit

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand axes and interpret point position

   Columns (X) = Sales (far right = high); Rows (Y) = Profit (low = low). Thus, high sales but low profit.

2. Final Answer:

   High sales but low profit -> Option D

3. Quick Check:

   X=Sales high, Y=Profit low = High sales, low profit [OK]

Hint: Right = high X value, low Y = low Y value [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Mixing up X and Y axis meanings
• Assuming high sales always means high profit
• Ignoring axis labels when interpreting points

4. You created a scatter plot but all points appear stacked in one corner. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. One or both fields are dimensions instead of measures

B. Both axes use the same numeric field

C. Color shelf is empty

D. Filters are applied incorrectly

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify requirements and analyze stacking cause

   Scatter plots need numeric measures on axes. Dimensions cause points to stack at same coordinates.

2. Final Answer:

   One or both fields are dimensions instead of measures -> Option A

3. Quick Check:

   Dimensions on axes cause stacked points [OK]

Hint: Axes must have numeric measures, not dimensions [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming color shelf affects point spread
• Not checking field data types on axes
• Blaming filters without verifying axes

5. You want to analyze customer segments by plotting Annual Income vs Spending Score and color points by Customer Age Group. How should you set up your scatter plot in Tableau?

hard

A. Place Customer Age Group on Filters, Annual Income on Tooltip, Spending Score on Rows

B. Place Annual Income on Columns, Spending Score on Rows, and Customer Age Group on Color

C. Place Spending Score on Columns, Customer Age Group on Rows, and Annual Income on Detail

D. Place Customer Age Group on Columns, Annual Income on Rows, and Spending Score on Color

Solution

1. Step 1: Assign fields correctly for scatter plot with coloring

   Numerics Annual Income (Columns) and Spending Score (Rows) for axes; categorical Customer Age Group on Color for segments.

2. Final Answer:

   Place Annual Income on Columns, Spending Score on Rows, and Customer Age Group on Color -> Option B

3. Quick Check:

   Numeric on axes + category on Color [OK]

Hint: Numeric fields on axes, categories on Color for groups [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Putting categorical fields on axes instead of Color
• Using Filters instead of Color for grouping
• Mixing up which numeric fields go on Columns or Rows