Eshrak Kader
Microsoft Excel has a powerful graphing feature that can add visual depth and clarity to even the most mundane of datasets. Now, what if you want to represent data with three variables? In this regard, the Bubble Chart provides a simple yet effective way to represent this data. Creating Bubble Charts with Labels in Excel is quite an easy task. However, this article shows 3 useful examples of bubble chart in Excel. In addition, we’ll also demonstrate how to create a bubble chart sized according to a value.
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What Is a Bubble Chart in Excel?
A Bubble Chart represents the data in a three-dimensional visualization. In simple terms, the bubble chart indicates the first two variables in the x and y coordinates, while it depicts the third variable as the size of the bubble.
3 Examples of Bubble Chart in Excel
Considering the Sales Performance dataset shown in the B4:E13 cells, which shows the Product names, the Marketing Expense, the Sales figure, and the Profit in USD. Here, we want to plot a bubble chart with the Marketing Expense and the Sales figure on the x and y axes, while the Profit value will be indicated by the bubble size. So, let’s have a glance at each example with easy and simple illustrations.
Here, we’ve used the Microsoft Excel 365 version. You may use any other version according to your convenience.
Example-1: Making a 2D Bubble Chart with 3 Variables
Let’s begin by inserting a simple 2-dimensional bubble chart using the dataset mentioned above. Hence, just follow these steps.
📌 Steps:
- At the very beginning, go to the Insert tab >> choose the Insert Scatter (X,Y) or Bubble Chart option >> select the Bubble option.
- Now, this inserts an empty chart >> next, click the Select Data option.
Instantly, the Data Source Wizard appears.
- Then, press the Add button.
- In turn, enter the Series Name, here it is the Breakdown of Marketing Expense, Sales, and Profit.
- Next, choose the Series X and Y values which are the C5:C13 and D5:D13 range respectively.
- Following this, select the Series bubble size which is the E5:E13 range.
Afterward, format the chart using the Chart Elements option.
- In addition to the default selection, enable the Axes Title to provide axes names. Here, it is Marketing Expense and Sales for the x and y axes respectively.
- Further, add the Chart Title, for example, the Breakdown of Marketing Expense, Sales, and Profit.
- Moreover, check the Data Labels option to show the Sales values within the bubbles.
- Lastly, uncheck the Gridlines option to give your chart a clean look.
Eventually, this should generate the chart as shown in the picture below.
Read More: How to Create Bubble Chart in Excel with 3 Variables
Example-2: Inserting a 3D Bubble Chart with 3 Variables
Alternatively, you can also make a 3-dimensional bubble chart and the process is quite similar to the previous example. So, let’s see it in action.
📌 Steps:
- In the first place, select the C5:E13 cells >> move to the Insert tab >> click the Insert Scatter (X,Y) or Bubble Chart drop-down >> choose the 3-D Bubble option.
- Next, apply the same formatting as described in Example 1.
Lastly, the results should look like the image given below.
Read More: How to Create a 3D Bubble Chart in Excel (With Easy Steps)
Example-3: Creating a Bubble Chart with Multiple Series
What if you want to insert a bubble chart with two series? Well, you’re in luck because our next example provides the answer to this question. Therefore, just follow along.
Assuming the Sales Performance of Stores dataset shown in the B4:E17 cells. Here, the dataset shows the name of the Products, the Marketing Expense, the Sales value, and the Profit earned in USD for two different stores.
📌 Steps:
- First, select the C6:E10 cells >> navigate to the Insert tab >> go to the Insert Scatter (X,Y) or Bubble Chart drop-down >> click the Bubble option.
- Second, this creates a bubble chart for Store 1 >> click the Select Data option.
- Third, press the Add button in the Select Data Source window.
- In a similar style to Example 1, enter the data for Store 2 >> hit the OK button.
Now, this creates a bubble chart for the two series.
In the following steps, apply formatting to the chart with the Chart Elements option.
- To begin with, enable the Axes Title, here, it is Sales Performance of Stores.
- Then, add the Chart Title, for instance, Marketing Expense and Sales for the x and y axes.
- Furthermore, insert the Data Labels to show the Sales of the items in each store.
- Next, add Legend to differentiate between the two stores.
- Finally, remove the Gridlines for a clean look.
Consequently, the results should appear in the screenshot shown below.
Read More: Create Bubble Chart in Excel with Multiple Series (with Easy Steps)
How to Set Bubble Chart Size Based on Value in Excel
Another commonly asked question is how to insert a bubble chart sized according to a value. In the following section, we’ll illustrate the process with easy steps. Therefore, let’s begin.
📌 Steps:
- First and foremost, jump to the Insert tab >> proceed to the Insert Scatter (X,Y) or Bubble Chart list >> choose the Bubble option.
- Then, format the chart according to your preference or you may follow the steps shown above.
- Next, Right-Click on any one of the bubbles >> navigate to the Format Data Series option.
Immediately, the Format Data Series pane pops out on the right side.
- Here, in the Scale bubble size to option, enter the value 120 to increase the bubble size.
- Following this, Right-Click on one of the Data Labels >> jump to the Format Data Labels option.
- In turn, place a check beside the Bubble Size option >> uncheck the Y Value.
Subsequently, the bubble size now corresponds to its value as shown in the image below.
As a matter of fact, I have skipped another example of Making Bubble Chart Size based on Value, which you might explore if you want.
Read More: How to Change Bubble Size in Scatter Plot in Excel (with Simple Steps)
Practice Section
We have provided a Practice section on the right side of each sheet so you can practice yourself. Please make sure to do it by yourself.
Conclusion
Henceforth, we’ve shown you 3 useful examples of bubble chart in Excel. So, read the full article carefully and apply the knowledge to your needs. Moreover, download our free workbook to practice. Lastly, if you have any further queries or recommendations, please feel free to comment here. and visit ExcelDemy for many more articles like this.
