How to Create Scatter Plot Matrix in Excel (With Easy Steps)

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Scatter Plot Matrix is very handy to compare the bivariate relations of multiple variables. In this article, I will demonstrate how to create a Scatter Plot Matrix in Excel with very simple steps.

scatter plot matrix excel


What is Scatter Plot Matrix?

Suppose you have a dataset of multiple variables. If you want to compare the relationship of each 2 variables of the dataset, you need to create a Matrix where every possible combination of bivariate variables is present. Now, in Excel, you can just create a Scatter Chart of each set of bivariate variables. Then arrange the scattered chart in a Matrix form. Therefore, you got your Scatter Plot Matrix. It is very functional in Statistical analysis.


How to Create Scatter Plot Matrix in Excel: with Easy Steps

It is straightforward to plot Scatter Plot Matrix in Excel. I will Insert the Scatter Chart into my dataset to create a Scatter Plot in Excel. Later the chart will be resized and readjusted so that I can use it to create the Matrix. So, let’s go through the process quickly.


Step-01: Create a Dataset

In the first place, you need a dataset with multiple variables. I have a dataset here representing the Monthly Average Weather Data of New York City. Moreover, the dataset has 3 variables. Those are Month, Avg. Temperature, and Humidity.

Dataset of Monthly Average Weather Data of NY


Step-02: Insert Scatter Chart

This step will introduce a Scatter Chart with a selected array.

  • First, select the columns Month and Temperature.
  • Next, click on Insert.
  • Then, choose the Charts option.

Inserting Charts

  • Afterward, from Charts select the Scatter one.
  • Finally, click on the 1st type from Scatter Charts option.

Inserting Scatter chart

  • Accordingly, you will get the Scatter Chart with selected columns.

Scatter Chart of Avg. Temperature


Step-03: Remove Chart Title and Gridlines

To make the chart clean and prominent, I will remove the Gridlines and Chart Title.

  • Initially, click on the + sign at the top right corner of the Scatter Chart.
  • Notice that there is a tick beside the Gridlines option.

Removing Gridlines from Scatter Chart

  • Now, uncheck Gridlines.
  • As a result, you can see that Gridlines from the chart have vanished.

Output of removing Gridlines from Scatter Chart

  • Besides, I will delete the Chart Title as I will add Labels after completing the Matrix.
  • Again, click the + sign at the top right corner of the Scatter Chart.
  • Chart Elements will appear.
  • At this point, uncheck the Chart Title.

Removing Chart Title from Scatter Chart

  • Consequently, the Chart Title has disappeared.

Scatter Chart without Gridlines and Chart Title


Step-04: Change Minimum Axis Bound

In this step I will readjust the Bound Maximum and Minimum value in Format Axis Pane.

  • In the first place, select the Vertical Axis of the Chart which is also marked in the snapshot.

Selecting Vertical Axis in Scatter Chart

  • Later, right-click on the selected Vertical Axis.
  • From the options, hit the Format Axis option.

Format Axis Option in Scatter Chart

  • Thus, Format Axis Pane has opened.
  • Here, Bounds Minimum is set as 0, and the Maximum is set as 90.0.

Format Axis Pane

  • Since in my dataset, the range of values for Temperature is 40-80, I will reset the Minimum value as 40.0 and the Maximum value as 80.0.

Changing Bounds Maximum and Minimum value in Format Axis Pane

  • Finally, hit Enter and eventually the Maximum and Minimum value of the Axis is changed, and this step makes the chart more relevant.

Scatter Chart after changing Bound value

  • Similarly, change the Bounds value for the Horizontal Axis.
  • To start, click on the Horizontal Axis marked in the picture.

Selecting Horizontal Axis of Scatter Chart

  • Secondly, right-click on the Horizontal Axis.
  • Accordingly, choose the Format Axis option.

Choosing Format Axis option

  • Now, the Format Axis Pane is visible.
  • You must Reset the Minimum and Maximum values according to your dataset value.

Format Axis Pane Showing Bounds value

  • As my dataset has only 6 Months, I will Reset the Maximum value to 0.
  • Please follow your dataset to find the Maximum and Minimum values and Reset accordingly.

Changing Maximum value Bounds in Format Axis Pane

  • In conclusion, both of your Axis Bounds are adjusted after following the steps.

Scatter Chart after adjusting the Bounds Maximum and Minimum value

Read More: How to Create a 3D Scatter Plot in Excel


Step-05: Resize the Chart

This particular step is to make the overall outlook easy to read for the readers.

  • Resize the Scatter Chart and place this below the dataset.
  • As this will be a Scatter Plot Matrix, make the chart smaller so that other bivariate relations can be placed under this. Follow the picture for a better understanding.

Resized Scatter Chart


Step-06: Complete the Scatter Matrix

The dataset has 3 variables. This means another 2 combinations of variable sets are possible. So, let’s complete the Scatter Plot Matrix.

  • Initially, select the Month and Humidity columns.
  • Then, click on Insert, and after that hit on the Charts option.
  • Choose the first option under Scatter type.

Inserting Scatter Charts with Month and Humidity columns

  • As a result, you will get a Scatter Chart representing the relationship between Month and Humidity.

Scatter Chart with Month and Humidity Columns

  • Furthermore, remove the Chart Title and Gridlines following Step-03.

Removing Chart Title and Gridlines

  • Like the previous chart, adjust the Bounds Maximum and Minimum values of the Chart.
  • For this, follow Step-04.

Bounds Maximum and Minimum values of Axis

  • Hence, I have Reset the range for Vertical Axis to 50-90. Because in the Humidity column, the values are in this range.
  • Similarly, for Horizontal Axis I have Reset the range to 0-6.

Resetting Bounds Maximum and Minimum values

  • At this point, you can change the Color of the Scatter Chart to differentiate among the relations.
  • In the first place, click on the Brush icon just below the sign.
  • Then, select Color.
  • Finally, choose any color except the previous chart’s color.

Changing Color of Scatter Chart

  • Moreover, resize the chart and place this below the first chart to create the Matrix.

Resizing Scatter Chart with Month and Humidity columns

  • Lastly, select the Temperature and Humidity Column.
  • Insert Scatter Chart by just repeating the same actions.

Inserting Scatter Chart with Avg. Temperature and Humidity Columns

  • In addition, resize the Chart and complete the Scatter Plot Matrix.

Scatter Plot Matrix


Step-07: Introduce Label to the Scatter Plots

You must Label the chart so that readers can analyze the Matrix to understand the relationships. In this step, I will Label the Charts.

  • Add the Labels according to your dataset.

Adding Label to Scatter Plot Matrix

  • After adding Labels the Scatter Plot Matrix is ready now.
  • The top left corner indicates the relationship between Month and Temperature.
  • Next, the bottom left represents the data points of Month and Humidity.
  • In conclusion, the bottom right corner expresses the connection of Temperature and Humidity.

Final output of Scatter Plot Matrix in Excel


Things to Remember

  • Be careful while Labeling the Scatter Plot Matrix. One wrong Label can mislead the readers in the whole chart.
  • Try to keep the outlook simple and clean as there may be many variable pairs in one Matrix.

Practice Section

Here, we have provided a practice sheet for you to practice.

Practice Sheet for Excel Scatter Plot Matrix


Download Practice Workbook

You may download the following Excel workbook for better understanding and practice it by yourself.


Conclusion

In this article, I have shown the steps of creating a Scatter Chart and making this into a Matrix. There may be more variables in your dataset. In that case, prepare the combinations and then arrange the charts accordingly. I hope this article gave you a clear idea about how to create a Scatter Plot Matrix in Excel. If you have any questions regarding this, please comment down.


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Mahfuza Anika Era
Mahfuza Anika Era

Mahfuza Anika Era graduated from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in Civil Engineering. She has been with ExcelDemy for almost a year, where he has written nearly 30 articles and reviewed many. She has also worked on the ExcelDemy Forum and solved 50+ user problems. Currently, she is working as a team leader for ExcelDemy. Her role is to guide his team to write reader-friendly content. Her interests are Advanced Excel, Data Analysis, Charts & Dashboards,... Read Full Bio

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