How to Create and Customize a Bubble Chart in Excel

Bubble charts are a great way to visualize and compare three sets of data simultaneously. They’re particularly useful when you have a dataset with three variables. Here’s how you can create and customize a bubble chart in Excel:

Creating a Bubble Chart

• Go to the Insert tab in Excel.
• Click on Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart.
• Choose either Bubble or 3-D Bubble.

• A blank chart will be created.
• Right-click on the blank chart and select Select Data.

• Click on Add to add series data.

• Choose a Series name.
• Select the appropriate X and Y values (e.g., C5:C9 for X and D5:D9 for Y).
• Choose the bubble size (e.g., E5:E9) and click OK.

• This will create a 2-D bubble chart.

• If you prefer a 3-D bubble chart, select that option from the chart settings.

Customizing the Bubble Chart in Excel

1. Add data Labels

• Click on the Chart Elements icon and check the box for Data Labels.
• Position the labels as needed.

2. Add Axis Title

• Similarly, check the box for Axis Titles in the Chart Elements menu.
• Customize the axis titles based on your preference.

3. Apply Different layout

• Go to the Chart Design tab.
• Choose a chart layout that suits your requirements.

• The chart layout will update accordingly.

4. Change Color, Outline and effects

• Click on the Chart Styles icon and select the Color tab.
• Choose a color combination to change the bubble colors.

• As a result, the bubbles in the chart will have your chosen color.

• You can further format the chart by double-clicking on it to open a side panel with additional options (e.g., Fill, Border).

Read More: How to Color Excel Bubble Chart Based on Value

Creating a Bubble Map in Excel

• Select the cells containing your data (e.g., B4 to C18).
• Go to Insert → Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart → Scatter.

• Right-click on the chart and choose Change Chart Type.

• Select X Y (Scatter) and then choose Bubble.
• Press OK to convert it into a bubble chart.

• Right-click on the chart and select Select Data.

• Click on Edit to open the Edit Series box.

• Choose the bubble size (e.g., E5:E18) and press OK.

• Add Data Labels as before.

Adding a World Map Image:

• Double-click on the plot area to open the Format Plot Area side panel.
• Click on the Fill & Line icon and select Picture or Texture Fill.
• Click Insert under the Picture Source option.

• Insert an image of the world map (from your PC or online).

• You now have your desired bubble map.

Read More: How to Create Bubble Chart in Excel

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here:

Things to Remember

• Format data labels, bubble size, and color to enhance chart readability.
• Ensure correct X and Y values so that bubbles overlap correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Bubble Chart in Data Visualization?
   • A bubble chart is a useful way to visualize data with two to four dimensions. In this chart:
     • Two dimensions are visualized as coordinates (typically X and Y).
     • The third dimension is represented by the color of the bubbles.
     • The fourth dimension is reflected in the size of the bubbles.
2. Difference Between Bubbles and Scatter Plots:
   • Scatter plots are ideal for datasets with two variables. They show the relationship between these two variables.
   • Bubble charts, on the other hand, are used when you need to present and analyze a dataset that has three variables. They provide additional information through bubble size and color.
3. Advantages of Bubble Charts in Excel:
   • Bubble charts help:
     • Explain complex data patterns.
     • Analyze data involving three variables.
     • Make datasets more comprehensible by visualizing multiple dimensions.

Bubble Chart in Excel: Knowledge Hub

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