To create a scatter plot in Excel, select two columns of paired numeric values, with X first and Y second, then open Insert and choose a scatter chart with markers only. On Windows, use Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart; on Mac, choose X Y Scatter. In Excel for the web, use Insert > Charts, then choose a scatter chart type.
The desktop steps apply to Excel for Microsoft 365 and Excel 2024 on Windows and Mac. Start by arranging your numeric pairs, then use the insertion menu for your version of Excel.
The short version
- Prepare the data: Put paired numeric X and Y values in adjacent columns, with X on the left.
- Insert the chart: Select both columns of values and choose the markers-only scatter design from Insert.
- Check the axes: On Windows, use Select Data and Edit to assign the correct X and Y ranges.
- Choose lines deliberately: Scatter designs can connect points with straight or smooth lines, with or without markers.
| Route or option | Where to start | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Windows insertion menu | Insert > Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart | Create a scatter plot directly |
| Mac insertion menu | Insert > X Y Scatter | Create a scatter plot on Mac |
| Browser insertion menu | Insert > Charts | Create a plot in Excel for the web |
| Windows chart dialog | Insert > Recommended Charts | Choose scatter through All Charts |
| Connecting lines | The Scatter gallery | Join points with straight or smooth lines |
| Existing desktop chart | Change Chart Type | Convert a standard chart to scatter |
| Windows keyboard shortcut | Alt + F1 | Create the default chart, then change its type |
| Windows selection button | Quick Analysis > Charts | Choose a recommended chart for the selection |
| Explicit data ranges | Select Data > Edit | Correct axes or use separately positioned ranges on Windows |
| Saved chart template | Save as Template | Reuse a scatter chart design on desktop Excel |
Arrange your X and Y values
Put your X values in the first column and the corresponding Y values in the next column. Each row should contain one numeric pair, so the values you want plotted together stay on the same row. Select the paired data before opening the chart menu.
For example, you could place one set of measurements in column A and its corresponding measurements in column B. A scatter plot uses those two numeric values to position each point. A line chart uses a different horizontal-axis model, so it is not an interchangeable way to draw the same scatter diagram.
Keep the initial selection simple by using adjacent X and Y columns. When a needed column is hidden, unhide the columns in Excel before selecting your values. For X and Y ranges positioned separately in the worksheet, use the explicit series settings below.
Insert the scatter plot on Windows
With the paired values selected, open Insert > Insert Scatter (X, Y) or Bubble Chart. Under Scatter, select the markers-only design. This creates a scatter plot without connecting lines.
Another route is Insert > Recommended Charts. Choose a recommended scatter chart if one appears; otherwise, select All Charts and choose the scatter chart type. Select the design, then select OK.
Recommendations may show other chart types for your data. If that happens, use All Charts to choose scatter yourself, or return to the direct scatter menu.
Create the chart on Mac or in a browser
On Mac, select your paired numeric data, then open Insert > X Y Scatter. Under Scatter, choose the markers-only chart for a plot made of individual points. The gallery also offers scatter designs with connecting lines.
In Excel for the web, open your workbook and select the adjacent X and Y data. Choose Insert > Charts, then select the scatter chart type you want. Keep X in the first column and Y in the next when preparing the browser version's data selection.
Choose points or connecting lines
Excel offers five scatter subtypes: markers only, smooth lines with markers, smooth lines without markers, straight lines with markers, and straight lines without markers. For a basic scatter diagram, choose markers only. Choose a connecting-line design when you want lines between the points.
Select the subtype from the scatter gallery during insertion. To change a desktop chart afterward, use Change Chart Type as described in the next section, then choose the scatter category and design. On Windows, select OK to apply the choice.
Convert an existing chart or use a shortcut
To turn an existing standard chart into a scatter plot on Mac, select the chart and open Chart Design > Change Chart Type, then choose the scatter chart type. On Windows, right-click the chart area or plot area and select Change Chart Type. Choose the scatter category and design, then select OK.
For a keyboard route on Windows, select the data and press Alt + F1. That shortcut creates the default chart type, which may be something other than scatter. If needed, right-click the chart area, select Change Chart Type, and choose the scatter chart type. Choose a design and select OK.
Windows also offers the Quick Analysis button at the bottom-right corner of a data selection. Select it, choose Charts, then choose a suitable scatter recommendation if one appears. The gallery shows different charts depending on your data, so if no scatter chart is offered, use the Insert menu route above instead.
Fix reversed axes or incorrect data ranges
When the axes are reversed or Excel has used the wrong columns, assign the ranges explicitly on Windows. Right-click the scatter chart and select Select Data. Under Legend Entries (Series), select the series you want to correct, then select Edit.
Set Series name, Series X values, and Series Y values to the intended cells. For example, a dataset with X values in A2 through A11 and Y values in B2 through B11 should use those respective ranges. Select OK to close each dialog.
The same approach lets you build the plot from X and Y ranges that sit in separate parts of the worksheet. Create a scatter chart first, then use Select Data and Edit to assign the required cells to the series. Set the name and both value ranges, then select OK to close each dialog.
Reuse a scatter chart design
Save a chart template when you want to reuse an existing scatter chart's design. On desktop Excel, right-click the chart, select Save as Template, enter a name, then select Save. The saved template uses the .crtx format.
To apply it on Windows, select the new data and open Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts > Templates. Select your saved template, then select OK. On Mac, select the new data and open Insert > Chart > Templates, then choose your custom template.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a PivotChart use the XY scatter chart type?
No, PivotCharts cannot use XY scatter, stock, or bubble chart types. Create a standard chart from paired numeric worksheet data for a scatter plot.
What is the difference between a scatter chart and a bubble chart?
A scatter chart plots paired X and Y values. A bubble chart adds a third variable that controls bubble size, so choose it when you need to represent that extra value.
How do you create a chart on its own sheet?
In desktop Excel for Windows, select the data and press F11 to create a chart of that data on a separate chart sheet. Use Change Chart Type to choose the scatter category and design, then select OK. In a browser, F11 commonly controls full-screen mode instead.
Can Copilot create a scatter plot in Excel?
Yes, with an eligible Copilot account in Excel for Microsoft 365 on Windows, Mac, or the web. Select the Copilot icon in the lower-right corner, choose Allow editing mode, and enter a request specifying a scatter chart, the source range, and the column for each axis. Submit the request, then review the resulting chart and its data references.
Why do older instructions mention the Chart Wizard?
Chart Wizard is the former chart-creation interface and is not a current workflow. Use the Insert chart commands or Recommended Charts instead.