XY (Scatter) Charts
An XY or scatter chart displays series as a set of points. Values are represented by the position of the point in the chart space. Categories are represented by different points in the chart. Scatter charts are typically used to compare distinct values across categories.
There are three types of scatter charts: XY scatter, scatter with data points connected by lines, and scatter with data points connected by smoothed lines.
XY (Scatter)
An XY (scatter) chart displays each value series as data points in the chart space according to the X and Y values for the value series. While category and series groups are optional, at least one of these groups is required to display meaningful data in the chart.
| Chart area | Description |
|---|---|
Values |
Required. The values in a value series determine the position of each data point in the chart. There are two values for each value series: X and Y. These two values are required. The value of X determines the position of the data point on the x-axis. The value of Y determines the position of the data point on the y-axis. If the chart contains multiple value series, the chart displays multiple series in the chart and in the chart legend. |
Category groups |
Optional. Category values are displayed as data points within a series group. |
Series groups |
Optional. Series are displayed as groups of data points in the chart. Each series is displayed as separate series in the chart (each with a different color or symbol) and in the chart legend. |
Note
A typical scatter chart contains non-aggregate expressions for values. The expression for X in the value chart area and the expression for the category group are also typically the same.
Scatter with Data Points Connected by Lines
A scatter chart with data points connected by lines is identical to an XY (scatter) chart except that the data points are connected by straight lines.
Scatter with Data Points Connected by Smoothed Lines
A scatter chart with data points connected by lines is identical to an XY (scatter) chart except that the data points are connected by curved lines.
See Also
Concepts
Working with Chart Data Regions