How to Create Bubble Chart in Excel with 3 Variables

Typical Excel Charts depict a two-dimensional (X and Y) representation of data. Working with three-dimensional or 3 variables requires the insertion of a bubble chart into Excel. The third variable is the size of the bubbles. The other two variables are the traditional X and Y coordinates. In this article, we demonstrate the step-by-step procedure to create bubble chart Excel 3 variables.

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Download the attached dataset to better understand the steps.

Step-by-Step Procedures to Make a Bubble Chart in Excel with 3 Variables

Go through the following steps to create a bubble chart with 3 variables in Excel. Firstly, we will prepare our dataset. Then, we will insert a Bubble Chart. Afterward, we will modify the Bubble Chart with 3 variables.

Step 1: Preparing a Dataset to Create a Bubble Chart

As you are aware of the fact that bubble charts can visualize 3-dimensional data, and the dataset must contain 3 variables. The following picture depicts Project Details with Cost, Profit, and Profit Rate variables.

Read More: How to Create Bubble Chart with 2 Variables in Excel

Step 2: Inserting a Bubble Chart

In the Insert tab, Excel offers 2 types of bubble charts: Bubble and 3-D Bubble. You can choose any of them to insert a bubble chart with 3 variables.

• Go to the Insert tab then click on Insert Scatter inside the Charts.
• Choose Bubble under Bubble.

Read More: 3 Suitable Examples of Bubble Chart in Excel

Step 3: Modifying the Bubble Chart

After clicking on the Bubble in the Insert Scatter options, Excel inserts a bubble chart as displayed in the below picture. However, the inserted chart needs modifications.

Step 3.1: Formatting X-Axis

• To custom format, the X-Axis of the chart, select the axis then right-click on it. The Context Menu.
• Click on Format Axis.
• In the Axis Options, set Minimum and Maximum X-Axis Bounds as shown in the latter image.

Step 3.2: Displaying Data Labels from Cells

• Click on the Chart. The Chart Elements (Plus Icon) appear.
• Tick preferable chart elements such as Axes, Axis Titles, or Chart Title.
• Click Data Labels > More Options.
• The Format Data Labels dialog box appears.
• Mark the Value From Cells.

• Instantly, Excel fetched the Data Label Range dialog box. Assign the range (i.e., Profit Rate) then click OK.

Step 3.3: Coloring the Bubbles

• Now, click on any bubble to select all of them. Afterward, right-click the Context Menu.
• Choose Format Data Series.
• In the Fill option, tick Vary colors by point to multi-color the bubble.

Step 3.4: Displaying Chart in a Particular Style

• Click on the chart and the Chart Design tab appears.
• Choose any Chart Designs from the Chart Styles to depict the chart in it.

• The final visualization of the chart may look like the below image.

Read More: How to Color Excel Bubble Chart Based on Value (2 Easy Methods)

Things to Keep in Mind

• Make sure the bubble sizes are proportional to their values. However, Excel usually auto-fit bubble sizes corresponding to their values. In case Excel doesn’t do it, adjust the data to fit using Square Root of the raw data.

Conclusion

This article discusses the step-by-step procedures to create bubble charts with 3 variables in Excel. Comment if you need further clarification or have anything to add.

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