What Is A 3D Scatter Plot Chart In Excel?
A 3D Scatter Plot in Excel visually represents three-dimensional data points on a coordinate system. Essentially, it displays how three variables simultaneously impact one another, providing insight into their relationship. This chart type can compare objects or events concerning time series analysis, financial report classification, and environmental monitoring.
The Excel 3D Scatter Plot Chart graph typically has two axes for plotting X and Y values, respectively, while the third axis represents the Z value, which is inferred through marker size or color. Overall, the 3D Scatter Plot Charts are fundamental in scientific research and can offer valuable insights by representing complex data in comprehensible formats that stakeholders can interpret easily.
The following example illustrates monthly sales data. We will utilize this data to create a 3D Scatter Plot Chart. To generate a Scatter Chart, choose the desired data, and select the Scatter Chart option within the Insert tab. It will allow for creating a visually appealing and informative chart that effectively displays the selected data.
Clik here to view.
The 3D Scatter Plot Chart is depicted as illustrated below. The complex data relationships and identifying patterns that may not be apparent in traditional two-dimensional charts.
Clik here to view.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The 3D Scatter Plot in Excel is a graphical representation that showcases the relationship between three variables, X, Y, and Z.
- The Scatter Chart is a powerful tool that allows for visualizing patterns and trends in data. The Scatter Chart can help identify correlations and outliers by plotting the data points on a graph, making it an essential tool for data analysis.
- The Scatter Chart effectively displays the correlation between various data sets, such as the relationship between rainfall and the sale of umbrellas, the impact of rainfall on crop sales, and the influence of advertising on revenue. Its clear presentation allows for easy interpretation and analysis of the data.
Excel VBA – All in One Courses Bundle (35+ Hours of Video Tutorials)
If you want to learn Excel and VBA professionally, then Excel VBA All in One Courses Bundle (35+ hours) is the perfect solution. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this bundle covers it all – from Basic Excel to Advanced Excel, Macros, Power Query, and VBA.
Where To Find The 3D Scatter Plot In Excel?
3D Scatter Plots represent the relationship between three variables visually, and are an excellent feature for data visualization in science, engineering, finance, and many others.
We can insert the 3D Scatter Plot In Excel as follows,
First, choose the dataset, select the “Insert” tab – go to the “Charts” group – click the “Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart in Excel” option drop-down, as shown below.
Clik here to view.
Now, click the “Scatter” chart type from the “Scatter” category, as shown below.
Clik here to view.
A chart is generated with the x, y, and z axes. Further customization options include labelling each axis and changing the chart title. We can also add color coding to denote different groups or categories within their dataset.
How To Create 3D Scatter Plot In Excel?
To create a 3D Scatter Plot in Excel,
- Enter data into columns or rows. Select all the data you want to include in your plot and click on the “Insert” tab. From there, choose “Scatter,” and select the “3D Scatter” option. Each point represents an observation with its x, y, and z coordinates based on the columns or rows you entered earlier.
- We can customize your 3D Scatter Plot by changing the axis labels, adding a title and legend, adjusting colors or symbols for each series of data points, as well as rotating the chart to different angles for a better view of the relationships between variables. We can now create compelling 3D scatterplots that visualize complex data patterns and help to communicate insights more effectively using Microsoft Excel.
Examples
We will consider some examples to create a 3D Scatter Plot in Excel.
Example #1
The following example illustrates the data of a group of males and females who play various games.
Clik here to view.
The steps to create a 3D Scatter Chart to represent the information visually are,
Step 1: Choose the table, and select the “Scatter” chart from the “Insert” tab.
Clik here to view.
Step 2: The Scatter Chart is formed. Select the plot on the chart and right-click it, then select the “Format Data Series” option from the drop-down list.
Clik here to view.
Step 3: The “Format Data Series” section appears on the right. Select the “Slant” option under the 3-D Format.
Clik here to view.
Step 4: Select the “Built-in” radio button from the Marker options.
Clik here to view.
Step 5: Change the color of the plots from the “Fill” option.
Clik here to view.
Step 6: The 3D Scatter Plot Chart in Excel is formed as shown below.
Clik here to view.
Example #2
The subsequent example serves to illustrate the salaries of our employees.
Clik here to view.
Utilizing this data, we shall construct a 3D Scatter Chart to depict the information visually. It will provide a clear and concise representation of the data, allowing for easy interpretation and analysis.
The steps to create a 3D Scatter Plot Chart in Excel are,
Step 1: Select the table you wish to use, then navigate to the “Insert” tab and select the “Scatter” chart option.
Clik here to view.
Step 2: Once the Scatter Chart is formed, select the plot on the chart and right-click it. From the drop-down list, choose the “Format Data Series” option.
Step 3: The “Format Data Series” section will appear on the right. Under the 3-D Format, select the “Slant” option.
Step 4: Select the “Built-in” radio button from the Marker options.
Step 5: To change the color of the plots, navigate to the “Fill” option.
Step 6: Finally, your 3D Scatter Plot Chart in Excel will be formed, as shown below.
Clik here to view.
Important Things To Note
- The Scatter Plot Chart in Excel is primarily utilized to illustrate the correlation between two interrelated data sets.
- This tool is particularly useful in visually representing complex data sets and identifying patterns or trends that may not be immediately apparent in a traditional 2D chart.
- By leveraging the power of 3D visualization, users can gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between variables and make more informed decisions based on their findings.
- The Scatter Chart displays both X and Y variables.
Frequently Asked Questions
The subsequent example illustrates students’ marks, which we will employ to generate a 3D Scatter Plot Chart.
Select the relevant data to create a Scatter Chart and then navigate to the Scatter Chart option within the Insert tab. It will enable the creation of a visually captivating and informative chart that effectively showcases the chosen data.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The 3D Scatter Plot Chart is displayed below, showcasing its ability to reveal intricate data relationships and identify patterns that may not be immediately apparent in traditional two-dimensional charts.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Some of the advantages of using a 3D Scatter Plot over other types of plots in Excel are,
• Its ability to display three variables simultaneously. It means incorporating an additional variable into the visualization instead of showing two variables, such as a traditional scatter plot. It added dimension allows for identifying complex relationships and patterns otherwise hidden in two-dimensional representations.
• It provides a more comprehensive view of data distribution than other graphs, such as line or bar charts.
• 3D Scatter Plots offer more flexibility when dealing with large datasets, allowing users to zoom in and out on specific portions of the graph, filter data points, or rotate the plot for better visualization angles.
Excel’s 3D Scatter Plots provide a helpful means of visualizing complex data. However, they are not without limitations.
• One potential issue is the difficulty in accurately interpreting the plot due to overlapping data points, which can obscure patterns and make it more challenging to distinguish between variables.
• Additionally, Excel’s software may impose constraints on the data included in the plot, such as limiting the number of series or categories that can be displayed at one time.
• Finally, while 3D Scatter Plots can convey information about relationships between three variables, they do not account for other factors that may simultaneously impact those relationships.
• Interactive 3D Scatter Plots offer many functionalities and visual appeal that static ones cannot match. Unlike static scatter plots, they provide the ability to manipulate and interact with data in real time through intuitive zoom, pan, and rotate features.
• Interactive 3D Scatter Plots enable users to visualize complex three-dimensional relationships between variables like never before by layering multiple dimensions on top of each other.
• Additionally, interactive dashboards can be created incorporating these 3D Scatter Plots with multiple datasets for enhanced cross-referencing capabilities. From a visual standpoint, colors and shapes can be assigned to different categories or levels of data, increasing the interpretability of relationships within the data set. Finally, these plots can be accessed from various devices, including smartphones and tablets, providing anytime, anywhere access to business insights and greater ease of communication between teams while making more informed decisions based on accurate scientific analysis.
Download Template
This article must help understand 3D Scatter Plot in Excel with its formula and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.
Recommended Articles
This has been a guide to 3D Scatter Plot In Excel. Here we create 3D scatter plot using Scatter charts with 3D formatting, examples & downloadable template. You can learn more from the following articles –