While working with Microsoft Excel, when we want to display demographic or regional capacity information, the bubble chart is quite helpful. A bubble chart is a tool for three-dimensional data visualization. In this article, we will demonstrate the procedures to create a 3D bubble chart in Excel.
What Is Bubble Chart?
Excel’s Bubble Chart is a fairly straightforward and user-friendly tool. With the Bubble Chart, we may plot three variables in addition to the two X and Y that are typically plotted in a regular chart. The word “bubble” implies that we use bubbles to depict the data points in the chart. A bubble will ultimately be larger and appear at the top of the chart for data points with higher values; in contrast, a smaller bubble will appear for data points with lower values towards the bottom Y-axis.
How to Create a 3D Bubble Chart in Excel: Step-by-Step Procedures
We already know that the bubble chart uses value instead of using the category axis. To visualize three-dimensional datasets we use the 3D bubble chart. Let’s follow the procedures to create a 3D bubble chart in Excel.
Step 1: Create Data for Bubble Chart
First, we need to create a dataset. As we know, the datasets are the continuous cell range holding data for analysis.
- To begin with, we insert some company items in column B.
- Then, we put the Quantity of each item in column C.
- Further, the Cost in column D and that cost is for those items.
- Finally, in column E, we insert the total Sales of each item.
Read More: Excel Bubble Chart Examples
Step 2: Insert Chart
A chart can provide a sharper view of a set of data values. And, to create a 3D bubble chart we must insert the chart into our spreadsheet.
- Firstly, we select the Quantity, Cost, and Sales columns. In this case, the C5:E10 range of cells.
📄 Note: Make sure to exclude the column headers when selecting the data source for the chart, otherwise Excel considers horizontal axis values as text and shows incorrect values.
- Secondly, go to the Insert tab from the ribbon.
- Thirdly, click on Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart drop-down menu under the Charts group.
- Consequently, choose the 3D Bubble from the Bubble option.
- Thus, you can see the Cost vs Quantity vs Sales 3D bubble chart in your spreadsheet.
Read More: How to Create a Bubble Chart in Excel with Labels
Step 3: Organize 3D Bubble Chart
Organizing the chart will make the chart easier to understand.
- First of all, right-click on any bubble on the bubble chart and a context menu will pop up.
- Then, select the Format Data Series from there.
- This will display the Format Data Series window on the right side of the workbook.
- Subsequently, go to the Series Options.
- Further, click on Fill from the Series Options.
- Checkmark the Vary colors by points. This will change all the bubble colors automatically.
- Alternatively, you can change the color or add colors to the bubbles manually.
- For this, select the bubble in which you want to put color.
- Then, click on the Colors drop-down menu. And, choose your desired color.
- Now, suppose, we want to see the cost of each bubble. For this, click on the Chart Elements which is the plus (+) sign, and the sign will be visible after clicking on the chart.
- After that, checkmark the Data Labels option and select More Options.
- Choose the Label Options, then check the Bubble size and Show Leader Lines.
- Next, tick the Values From Cells option and in the Data Label Range dialog box select the Items in the B5:B10 range.
- Lastly, click on OK.
Read More: How to Create Bubble Chart in Excel
Final Output of 3D Bubble Chart
- Lastly, I’ve unchecked the Gridlines option to give the chart a cleaner look.
- Also, select the Data Labels and drag them outside the bubbles for ease of readability.
- After organizing the chart properly, the 3D Bubble Chart should look like the image shown below.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Consistently structure your X and Y axes to the lowest quality of the data for simplicity of use.
- Select the Bubble’s colors in accordance with the data. Selecting colors that are very vivid or garish might ruin the chart’s overall aesthetic.
- The chart will be simple to understand if the data labels, axis titles, and data points are formatted correctly.
- The size of the bubble will increase as the value rises.
Download Practice Workbook
Conclusion
The above procedures will assist you to Create a 3D Bubble Chart in Excel. Hope this will help you! Please let us know in the comment section if you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback.
