Numbers are beautiful when it comes to understanding your target market. However, these numbers only make sense when you convert them from the raw format into an easily readable level. Data visualization is the most ideal tool to use when you want to convey your raw data in a visual format that is attractive to the eyes. When presenting data to a specific audience, it’s essential to ensure that the message is visible.
Anytime you are handling raw data, you need to open your third eye to find out the best way possible to present the data. Google Sheets is one of the most effective one-stop shops that you can visit for all your data visualization needs. When you have proper data visualization solutions, you are more likely to visualize your data easily.
The x-y graph is one of the basic components you need to extract meaning from your data. However, you need time to conduct research and find out how you can create one that reciprocates your needs. Given that this is a basic component of data visualization; you will always need it when doing data analysis. To help you create an x-y graph in Google Sheets, this article has shared the information you need.
The Basics of the x-y Graph
The x-y graph is popularly known as a scatter graph. The graph is created by plotting a series of data points used to reveal the relationship between two sets of different numbers. The chart outlines different data variables in all axes based on the data type under analysis.
When you want to plot an x-y graph that illustrates the salary and the number of years that your employees have worked, the x-axis will outline the salary range while the y-axis will display the years worked. All the data points that you present on the chart will present the current salary and the years of experience that an individual has worked.
This chart type is essential in explicitly showcasing the granular data that other chart types cannot achieve. The x-y graph offers better results when visualizing large sets of data.
Creating an x-y Graph in Google Sheets
Once you know the basics of the x-y graph, you can now think about the best way possible to create it. At this point, you need to have chart-building tools that will make the entire process simple and create attractive data visualizations that your target audience will enjoy viewing.
Below is a step-by-step guide that elaborates further on how to create an x-y graph in Google Sheets.
Choose the Data You Intend to Use
The first step is to identify the kind of data that you plan to use to create the graph. Extract the data from its source and verify its accuracy. Using inaccurate data is likely to affect the efficiency of the results that you get at the end of the process. After collecting the data, upload it to your Google Sheets.
Note that you can import the data directly to Google Sheets or copy-paste it depending on what works well for you. Once you have outlined your data in columns on your Google Sheets chart, highlight the two columns of data that you intend to compare using the graph. If you are using a PC, use the shift key to select multiple columns.
Create the Chart
After highlighting the two data columns, click on the insert button at the top menu, and open the drop-down menu. After the menu opens up, click on the chart button. A new tab will appear populated with the data you highlighted in the previous step. Note that this is not the end of the process since there is more to be done.
The chart formed at this stage is meant to give you a starting point to create the x-y graph that displays your preferred data.
Change the Chart Type
At this point, you need to change the previous chart into a new x -y graph that outlines your data. On the chart editor dialogue box that appears on the right side of your screen, expand the icon to open up the drop-down menu that outlines the chart type. On the provided list, scroll down until you reach the scatter chart option.
When you select the scatter chart button, the previous chart will automatically change to an x-y graph with all your data outlined. A scatter plot will appear on your screen with all your data presented on it.
Enhance the Data Visuals
Within the chart editor dialogue box, click on the customize button, which will open up a menu. On the menu that pops up, expand all the series subsections. Scroll down the menu to find out the available checkboxes for the trend lines, error bars and data labels. Note that all these elements have a specific function on the chart.
The trendline displays the general direction of your data values and offers more clarification on the data patterns, even within data points that appear to be random. The customized error bars are used to display a potential range of numbers that every data point can occupy within the chart. They aid in showcasing the margin of errors, especially when visualizing data from the political polls.
Ensure that you apply data labels on the x-y graph to help you illustrate what every data point illustrates.
Customize the x-y Graph
This is the point where you need to bring your chart and graph into shape. Using the customize menu within the chart editor dialogue box, you can make changes to the fonts, names of the axis, color palettes, text size and other essential elements within the graph.
Share the Chart
At the top right corner of your Google Sheets, press on the three dots, which will open up a drop-down menu. The menu allows you to download the chart depending on your preferred format. You can download the chart in the form of PDF, image, PNG and many others. You can as well publish the final x-y graph so that you can be able to share it in the form of Google Drive or embed it in other documents.
Conclusion
The x-y graph is among the most basic types of data visualization that every data analyst needs to know. Even though creating this chart can be challenging at first, Google Sheets has made the entire process easier. This is one of the best charts and graphs that business owners can use to compare data and make critical decisions.
If you have access to Google Sheets, creating an x-y graph is never a difficult task. This is something that you can achieve within a few minutes as much as you understand the right procedure to follow.
