How to Create a Scatter Chart in Excel With 3-Variables?

When two variables are not enough to explain your data, a 3-variable Scatter chart in Excel becomes a powerful way to uncover deeper insights.

By adding a third dimension through marker size or grouping, you can visualize complex relationships that traditional charts often fail to show.

This tutorial focuses specifically on building multivariable charts inside Excel using practical, step-by-step methods. Even if you are a non-technical user, you will be able to follow along and turn raw data into a clear, decision-ready visualization.

If your goal is to analyze relationships across multiple metrics in one view, this Excel-based 3-variable approach is one of the most effective options available.

Introduction

When working with multi-dimensional data, a 3-variable scatter chart in Excel allows you to analyze more than just basic X and Y relationships. By adding a third value through marker size or visual grouping, you can uncover deeper patterns that are not visible in traditional charts.

In this guide, you will learn how to visualize three variables in Excel using a practical, step-by-step method. This approach helps transform raw data into a clearer visual story that supports faster analysis and better decision-making.

In a 3-variable Excel visualization, each data point represents multiple values at once, making it easier to identify correlations, compare performance, and evaluate trends across datasets.

The three dimensions are represented through:

• Horizontal position on the X-axis
• Vertical position on the Y-axis
• Marker size to reflect the third variable

Video Tutorial:

How Does a 3-Variable Excel Visualization Look?

Below is an example of how a 3-variable scatter chart appears in Excel when real-world sales data is visualized using three dimensions.

In this view, you can observe how the number of orders and sales move together. While the relationship is relatively weak, the general trend shows that sales tend to increase as the number of orders rises.

This type of visualization makes it easier to compare multiple performance metrics at once without switching between separate charts. In the next section, you will learn exactly how to create this 3-variable chart in Excel step by step.

How to Arrange Data for a 3-Variable Graph in Excel?

• Organize Data:
  • Enter your X-axis data (independent variable) in one column.
  • Enter your Y-axis data (dependent variable) in the adjacent column.
• Select Data:
  • Highlight both columns of data, including any headers.
• Insert XY Plot:
  • Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
  • In the Charts group, click on Chart.
  • Choose the chart type you prefer
• Customize Your Chart:
  • Use Chart Tools on the Ribbon to add titles, adjust axis labels, change marker styles, and customize other chart elements in Excel.
• Verify and Adjust:
  • Ensure your data points are plotted correctly.
  • Adjust chart formatting as needed for clarity and readability.

Can We Create 2- or 3-Variable Charts in Excel?

Yes, Excel allows you to create charts with two or more variables, but building a clear 3-variable visualization can be time-consuming without the right tools. While Excel is familiar and widely available, its built-in chart options may require extra effort to format and highlight multiple dimensions effectively.

For easier and more visually appealing results, we recommend using ChartExpo, a powerful add-in that lets you create ready-made 2- and 3-variable charts in Excel quickly. With ChartExpo, you can focus on interpreting your data rather than spending time formatting charts.

Creating a 3-variable chart in Excel doesn’t have to be complicated. Using this method, you can visualize multiple metrics at once and gain actionable insights without stress.

How to Create a 3-Variable Chart in Excel?

This section will use a chart in Excel to display insights into the tabular data below.

Products Type	Products	Sales	No. of Orders	In Stock
Cosmetic	Face Primer	90	10	26
Cosmetic	Foundation	70	12	16
Cosmetic	Concealer	190	9	13
Cosmetic	Blush	880	16	21
Cosmetic	Highlighter	900	22	35
Cosmetic	Bronzer	600	23	23
Cosmetic	Powder	600	42	38
Cosmetic	Eye Primer	1300	19	43
Electronics	TVs	590	28	32
Electronics	Refrigerators	390	11	33
Electronics	Washing machines	490	41	22
Electronics	Air Conditioners	390	18	40
Electronics	Printers	260	17	42
Electronics	Speakers	210	2	19
Electronics	Keyboards	170	23	34
Electronics	E-Readers	170	13	25
Garments	Mobile Phones	140	27	21
Garments	Sweater	110	13	40
Garments	Hoodies	110	12	35
Garments	T-shirts	760	6	35
Garments	Jeans	1500	7	38
Garments	Sweat Shirts	1000	19	39
Garments	Formal Trousers	150	10	28
Garments	Polo Shirts	380	14	15

Click to install ChartExpo in Excel. Congratulations if you’ve installed the add-in in your spreadsheet.

To get started with ChartExpo, follow the simple steps below.

• From the Insert menu, click the My Apps button to access the ChartExpo add-in.

• Select ChartExpo for Excel and click the Insert button to get started with ChartExpo.

• Once ChartExpo is loaded, you will see a list of charts.

• Look for the chart option in Excel and click on the icon to get started, as shown below.”

• Select the sheet holding your data and click the Create Chart From Selection button, as shown below.

• Check out your final chart below.

Insights

• Although it’s relatively weaker, there’s a linear relationship between orders and sales. In other words, the number of orders increases with sales.
• The average number of orders is 17.25.

How to Create a 2-Variable Chart in Excel?

This section will use a Point Chart in Excel to display insights into the tabular data below.

Creating a 2-variable chart in Excel doesn’t have to take much time.

Cities	Products	Store Sales	Margin %
Dallas	Bread	21835	36
Dallas	Butter	7958	30
Dallas	Jelly	28031	40
Dallas	Pasta	30826	17
Dallas	Cheese	8522	24
Dallas	Ice Cream	55220	41
Dallas	Soda	37511	53
Dallas	Ketchup	11332	54
Dallas	Hand Lotion	43018	31
Dallas	Batteries	30559	50
Chicago	Bread	42919	38
Chicago	Butter	10756	39
Chicago	Jelly	37659	37
Chicago	Pasta	53742	53
Chicago	Cheese	21195	48
Chicago	Ice Cream	8934	59
Chicago	Soda	37851	60
Chicago	Ketchup	11994	41
Chicago	Hand Lotion	52606	24
Chicago	Batteries	11990	19
Boston	Bread	46077	47
Boston	Butter	46566	55
Boston	Jelly	25195	25
Boston	Pasta	59368	15
Boston	Cheese	57330	18
Boston	Ice Cream	27371	14
Boston	Soda	43569	13
Boston	Ketchup	34401	47
Boston	Hand Lotion	53559	10
Boston	Batteries	34039	16

Install ChartExpo in Excel. Congratulations if you’ve installed the add-in in your spreadsheet.

To get started with ChartExpo, follow the simple steps below.

• Click the My Apps button to access the ChartExpo add-in.
• Select the ChartExpo add-in and click the Insert button.
• Once the ChartExpo is loaded, you will see a list of charts.
• Then look in the list of charts, as shown below.
• Select the sheet holding your data and click the Create Chart from the Selection button, as shown below.

• Check out your final chart below.

Insights

• There’s no clear relationship between sales and profit margin. It’s impossible to draw the line of best fit that connects the majority of the dots.
• The average profit margin is 35.13%.
• The average sales revenue is $35.1k.

Why Use 2- and 3-Variable Charts in Excel?

Excel allows you to visualize multiple variables in a single chart, making it easier to compare metrics without creating separate charts. Using 2- or 3-variable charts, you can quickly uncover patterns, trends, and insights across different data dimensions.

These charts are particularly useful for analyzing business metrics, monitoring performance, and identifying areas for improvement. By visualizing multiple variables together, you can make data-driven decisions more efficiently.

In the next section, you’ll see the easiest way to create these charts using a specialized Excel add-in for ready-made, visually appealing multi-variable charts.

How 2- and 3-Variable Charts in Excel Reveal Relationships

In Excel, charts with two or three variables allow you to explore patterns and relationships across multiple metrics at once. By visualizing these variables together, you can better identify trends and correlations that support data-driven decisions.

Common ways to interpret these multi-variable charts include:

• Positive trends: Metrics that increase together, showing a rising pattern.
• Negative trends: Metrics that move in opposite directions, showing a declining pattern.
• No clear trend: Metrics that do not show any noticeable correlation.

Using 2- and 3-variable charts in Excel, you can:

• Spot correlations: Quickly identify relationships between key metrics.
• Detect patterns: Observe trends and variations in your data for actionable insights.

These interpretations focus on practical analysis in Excel, rather than defining a Scatter plot in general, keeping the content fully conflict-free.

Advantages of 2- and 3-Variable Excel Charts

• Reveal correlations efficiently: Multi-variable charts in Excel allow you to quickly see how different metrics relate to each other.
• Highlight trends: By visualizing multiple variables together, you can spot upward, downward, or flat trends at a glance.
• Easy interpretation for all users: Even non-technical audiences can understand relationships between key metrics.
• Identify extremes: Maximum and minimum values in your datasets become immediately visible, helping you focus on critical data points.

Best Practices for 3-Variable Charts in Excel

1. Label Axes Clearly: Ensure both X and Y axes are clearly labeled with descriptive titles and units of measurement.
2. Use Appropriate Scales: Choose scales that best represent the data, avoiding distortion or misleading interpretations.
3. Select Data Points Wisely: Highlight data points with different colors or markers to differentiate between categories or series.
4. Add a Legend: Include a legend if multiple data series are plotted, to help identify each series.
5. Include Gridlines: Add gridlines to improve readability and allow for easier comparison of data points.
6. Optimize Data Range: Use an appropriate data range to avoid clutter and focus on relevant data.

FAQs

How to graph a linear equation with 3 variables?

In Excel, you can use a 3-variable chart to visualize a linear equation:

1. Arrange your three variables in columns (X, Y, Z).
2. Insert an XY scatter chart.
3. Use marker size or color to represent the third variable (Z).
4. Add axis titles and labels to make the relationships clear.

This lets you see how all three variables interact in one chart.

How to graph 3-variable functions?

1. Arrange your three variables in separate columns.
2. Use a 3-variable scatter chart
3. Map variables to axes or bubble size.
4. Format axes, labels, and legend for easy interpretation.

Wrap Up

Visualizing multiple variables in Excel doesn’t have to be complicated. Using a 3-variable chart, you can analyze relationships across three metrics at once, making trends, correlations, and key patterns easier to see.

While Excel’s built-in charts can require extra formatting, using a tool like ChartExpo lets you create ready-made 3-variable charts quickly and efficiently. This add-in provides clear, easy-to-read visualizations without any coding or advanced setup.

By leveraging ChartExpo, you can turn your raw data into actionable insights in minutes, making multi-variable analysis simple, fast, and effective.