What is Scatter Diagram? Definition, Types & Examples

Data is everything you encounter on this planet. It rules our businesses, workplaces, and academic institutions. It is why you can communicate findings in your reports or research.

The best way to deal with data is to visualize it in a way that it’s easily digestible. For instance, you want to establish a relationship between two essential variables in your business. Which visualization would you go for?

You guessed right. A Scatter Diagram is the most suitable.

This blog will help you learn what is Scatter Diagram and how to use it. It will give you all the answers you need.

Table of Content:

1. What is Scatter Diagram?
2. Types of Scatter Diagrams
3. How to Create a Scatter Diagram in Google Sheets?
4. How to Interpret Scatter Chart for Analyzing Data?
5. Why should you use Scatter Plots and Scatter Analysis?
6. Pros & Cons of using Scatter Plot Chart
7. Application of Scatter Diagram
8. Wrap Up

Let’s get down to business.

What is Scatter Diagram?

A Scatter Diagram is also called a Scatter Plot or an x-y graph. This type of chart is designed to express the relationship between two data points or variables.

Let’s explain the Scatter Diagram.

You have to plot two data points along the x and y-axes. The y-axis displays the dependent variable of your data, while the x-axis shows the independent variable.

However, you cannot always abide by this rule. Why? Because in some Scatter Diagrams, you can find the x and y-axes displaying independent variables.

Now you have a grasp of the Scatter Diagram definition. Let’s learn about its various types in the next section.

Types of Scatter Diagrams

One classifies Scatter Diagrams based on their slope type and correlation. The following are the various types of Scatter Diagrams:

• Strong Correlation\ Positive Correlation

In this Scatter Diagram type, the dependent variables are displayed on the y-coordinate, and you mark the data as a dot. Still, you can show your independent variables on the x-coordinate.

When you carefully examine this Scatter Diagram type, you will see that the dots follow a linear pattern. All you have to do is to join them using a straight line.

Below is an example of a Scatter Diagram with a strong correlation.

The dots’ straight-line alignment shows a strong relationship between your data points. Experts term it a Scatter Diagram with a high degree of correlation.

• Moderate Correlation\ Negative Correlation

Experts term this Scatter Plot type with a low degree of correlation. The data points are somehow non-linear, and it can be challenging to use a straight line.

Your data points appear as dots and are usually close to each other. A Scatter Diagram with moderate correlation will appear as shown below.

• Scatter Diagram with No Correlation

This Scatter Diagram type has no degree of alignment or correlation. In most instances, your data points scatter all over the diagram, which can prove difficult to draw a straight line.

It becomes impossible for you to establish a relationship between your variables. A Scatter Diagram with no correlation appears, as shown below.

How to Create a Scatter Diagram in Google Sheets?

Google Sheets is one of the most widely used spreadsheets in the world. You can use it to create a visualization on your data such as Scatter Diagram and many more. But sometimes it becomes a bit tricky task to achieve it.

For saving your precious time, you can supercharge your Google Sheets with a third-party add-on called ChartExpo.

This add-on has numerous charts and graphs templates that will help you create amazing visualizations.

How to Install ChartExpo in Google Sheets?

• You can download ChartExpo directly from the Google Sheets App. To get started, click on Extensions in the top toolbar.
• In the menu that appears, go to Add-ons press the option Get add-ons.
• Search for ChartExpo in the bar and click the Charts, Graphs & Visualizations by ChartExpo when it appears in the results.
• Press the blue Install Again, you will have to accept some permissions and you may have to confirm your Google account.

Let’s use an example to create a Scatter Diagram with ChartExpo. It will significantly help you learn what is Scatter Diagram.

Example

Assume you want to analyze the performance of various individuals in your department.

First, you will create a table, as shown below.

Department	Name	Age	Performance score	Punctuality
Research and development	Timothy	24	83	93
Research and development	Richard	26	39	95
Research and development	Michael	29	45	74
Research and development	Paul	23	98	59
Research and development	Bowles	38	46	43
Research and development	Christopher	32	57	64
Research and development	David	45	66	60
Research and development	Joseph	22	78	75
Research and development	Patrick	26	36	56
Research and development	Pryor	40	73	43
Accounts and Finance	Johnson	60	87	83
Accounts and Finance	Colbert	55	67	90
Accounts and Finance	Bowman	45	30	40
Accounts and Finance	Francis	50	98	60
Accounts and Finance	Collins	42	61	82
Accounts and Finance	Jonathan	30	22	80
Accounts and Finance	Eric	60	63	89
Accounts and Finance	Pruden	29	61	69
Accounts and Finance	Thompson	48	84	78
Accounts and Finance	Frank	40	21	76
Sales and marketing	Jerome	22	99	81
Sales and marketing	Ronald	28	33	65
Sales and marketing	Walker	30	59	81
Sales and marketing	Guerrier	44	75	49
Sales and marketing	Carlson	33	96	51
Sales and marketing	Petersen	24	98	58
Sales and marketing	Boyle	29	58	70
Sales and marketing	Rendon	36	56	80
Sales and marketing	Gomez	44	80	77
Sales and marketing	Winship	27	77	90

• To get started with ChartExpo, install ChartExpo in Google Sheets from this link.
• Copy the table above into your Google Sheets.
• Head to the Extensions button > Chart, Graphs & Visualizations by ChartExpo > Open.

• Click the Add New Chart button to access your fully stocked library of charts.

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

• Then, scroll through the numerous chart templates until you see the Scatter Plot.

• Select your data on the worksheet and then click the Create Chart button.

• Your final chart will appear as shown below.

As you can see, the chart is still complete. You must add a title and a trend line. You still need to perform edits as described below.

1. How to add a title to your chart?

Click on the Edit Chart button.

Click on the highlight pen and add the title of the chart.

2. Changing the color of legends in your chart.

Click on the highlight pen and go to Box, where you can choose colors. You can also change the colors of any other legend.

Click on the Save button to apply all changes.

3. Adding a trend line on your chart.

You can display trend lines for the department.

Click on the Chart setting at the top right of the window.

• Click on the Trend Line Then, click on the show button where you can choose the Polynomial Line. Pick the degree of choice, for example, the 3^rd-degree trend line.

• Click on Apply.

Editing colors and adding trend lines can help you identify insights from your Scatter Diagram.

Before we get to the insights, here are some elements you need to know.

• The quadrants represent various age groups and their performance in their respective departments.
• The line parallel to the y-axis represents the average age. The line parallel to the x-axis represents the average performance score.
• The dot size represents each individual’s punctuality.

Insights

• Sales and marketing department punctuality performance moves upwards to age 36 and then declines slowly.
• Accounting & Finance shows a declining punctuality performance in relation to age.
• The research and Development department shows an increase in punctuality performance. It starts to decline between the ages of 36-48.

How to Interpret Scatter Chart for Analyzing Data?

When you interpret a Scatter Chart, you can track trends by moving from left to right.

If the pattern moves from left to right in an upward trend, this shows there is a positive relationship between your data points. This shows the value of the x-axis increases as the value of the y-axis increases.

If there is a downward trend as you move from left to right, it shows a negative relationship between your x and y-coordinates. That is to show the x-axis increases as the value of the y-axis decreases.

Sometimes, a linear pattern in your Scatter Diagram does not imply any dependency type between your data points.

Why should you use Scatter Plots and Scatter Analysis?

You should use a Scatter plot if you want to observe if there are actual relationships between your variables.

You should use a Scatter Plot if there are numerical figure pairs and you want to establish the value of each variable.

You should use a Scatter Plot if you have multiple values of dependent variables for each independent variable.

Pros & Cons of using Scatter Plot Chart

Pros

• It helps you identify the relationship between two data points.
• You don’t need technical skills to use a Scatter Plot.
• It helps you identify the maximum and minimum points in your Scatter Plot. This makes it easy to trace your data range.
• It helps you show non-linear relations in your raw data.

Cons

• A Scatter Diagram is unsuitable for showing the relationship between more than two variables.
• The chart is only suitable for data with numerical data. You cannot use it for data without numeric values.
• When the independent variable on the x-axis varies widely, you cannot establish a relationship.
• Sometimes, a third variable can influence a relationship between two variables. Assuming that one variable is dependent on the other can be inaccurate.

Applications of Scatter Diagram

A Scatter Diagram displays patterns of your raw data.

You can use it to show correlational relationships. For instance, you can use it to establish a correlational relationship between performance and age in your organization.

The chart shows the relationship between two variables. For instance, you can use it to identify the relationship between conversion metrics and click-through rates in digital marketing.

FAQs:

What is Scatter Diagram explain?

A Scatter Diagram is a chart you can use to analyze relationships or correlations between two variables.

You can plot the two variables on the y and x-axis. The intersection point between the y and x-axis indicates the relationship between your variables.

What is a Scatter Diagram best used for?

A Scatter Diagram is the most suitable for showing a relationship between two variables. The dots in your Scatter Diagram show the value of your data points.

You can also use a Scatter Plot to identify correlational relationships in your raw data.

What are Scatter Diagram types?

Positive correlation: the dots in this Scatter Diagram align straight.

Negative correlation: the dots are somehow non-linear because they are close to each other but not in a straight line.

No Correlation: the dots are scattered all over, and there is no relationship between your variables.

Wrap Up

In a nutshell, this blog has helped you learn what is Scatter Diagram.

You have learned about the Scatter plot definition and the various types of Scatter Plots.

The various types of Scatter Plots we have covered include the following:

• Strong correlation\ Positive Correlation
• Moderate correlation\ Negative Correlation
• No correlation\ No Correlation

You have grasped how to create a Scatter Plot with Google Sheets. It requires that you use a third-party add-on called ChartExpo to create an incredible Scatter Plot.

We have covered how to interpret a Scatter Plot and where to use it. We have learned the various advantages and disadvantages of using a Scatter Plot.

The bottom line is you now understand what is Scatter Diagram and how to create it.

Now it’s your turn you create a Scatter Diagram using ChartExpo. Start a 7-day free trial today and make an irresistible chart for your business.