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Microsoft Excel 2000 - How to Make a Scatter-Plot Graph

There are many different ways to create a scatter-plot graph. The easiest is to select all of the data, series headings and X-axis labels at once and create a graph. If you do not have everything selected when you go to make the graph, you can add data and / or labels to your graph during the creation process.

1. Create data in column format with the series headings above the data and the X-axis headings to the left of the data.

   

2. Go to Insert -> Chart from the menu bar or select the chart button from the standard toolbar.
3. Under Chart Type, select XY (Scatter), then select the specific style for your chart and hit Next.

   

4. Change or select the data that will make up the graph. You can type in the values for the range of cells being worked on, or you can select the cells with the mouse pointer.

   

5. The Series tab allows you to select each series in your graph as well as name the series that are going to be in your graph. Each series can be named or changed individually by selecting the specific series that you want to work on (from the box on the left). You can also add and remove a series there. Then hit Next.

   

6. On the Chart Options screen, you can name your chart and give names for the X-axis and Y-Axis. Also you have specific options within the Axes, Gridlines, Legend and Data Label tabs that you can use to accomodate your chart how you want it. Then hit Next.

   

7. The last tab has options for where you would like to place your Chart within this worksheet or another one. Hit Finish when done.

   

8. Once created you can modify the chart by right-clicking on different areas within the chart. This can also be done from the drop down list by selecting the format options available. For example, right-clicking on the white space within the chart gives the options to format the Chart Area..., Chart Type..., Source Data..., Chart Options..., and Location...