A scatter chart can be used when you have paired or grouped sets of values. A scatter chart has two value axes instead of a value axis and a category axis. The data is represented in uneven intervals or clusters. Line charts and scatter charts can look very similar but the line chart displays categories of data evenly along the category axis and values of data along the value axis. When data is displayed in uneven clusters, the scatter chart works better. Note that the use of a scatter chart for this data does not identify the name of the winning individual. If you wanted to display that information, you would need to create text boxes linked to the datasheet.
Practice Set – Scatter Chart
You will create a scatter chart that will show the relationship between the number of races won and Career Winnings by the top 10 Nascar Drivers.
Input the data as shown below:
Create a Scatter Chart
• From the data you input, select the data range to include only the wins and the earnings (b:c11) – Do not select the Driver column (A1:A11). You only want the wins and the earnings.
Use the Chart Wizard to make the following selections:
• Scatter Chart Type with random points (1st selection). No lines.
• Make any other choices you’d like with the chart wizard such as labels and titles
• Last step of wizard, select AS a New Sheet. You chart should look like the exhibit below.
What conclusion can you draw from the array of points in this example? As you look at the array of data points, you can clearly see that the top three earnings won fewer races.
The chart might be more meaningful to you, if the driver was associated with the data point. This step must be done by adding text boxes.
Create text boxes linked to datasheet
• Select the text box tool from the draw toolbar.
• Draw a text box next to the upper most point of your chart (Point 32, $69,928,364)
• With text box selected, click in the formula bar; type “=” (without the quotes) Using a formula in the text box, makes the text box dynamic; thus if the underlying data sheet changes, the chart would automatically update to reflect the new data.
• Click on the worksheet tab containing your data
• Click on cell A2 – Return to your chart tab and deactivate the text box.
• Repeat process for other points on your chart. I have labeled the three top earning drivers as shown in the illustration below.
Finishing your chart
• Format any portion of your chart as you feel necessary.
