Google sheets scatter plot multiple series with examples (easy)

We use scatter plots when we want to check the relationship between two variables. When we plot two variables on a scatter chart, we can see their relationship and more importantly if there is any trend.

While plotting with 2 variables is easy, when the number increases, it gets a little complex. In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a scatter plot with multiple series in google sheets.

In this tutorial, we will discuss about google sheets scatter plot multiple series use cases. You will see 2 different scatter plot examples with multiple series.

Here are 2 types multiple series scatter plots in google sheets:

1. Scatter plot with one X series and 2 Y series
2. Scatter plot with 2 X series and 2 Y series

Table of content:

• Create Scatter plot 
• 1 x and 2 y-axis scatter plots
• 2 x and 2 y-axis scatter plots

How to create a scatter plot in google sheets

Let’s say you have 2 variables in columns A and B. You want to create a scatter plot.

You can select all cells in columns A and B and click on Insert > Chart. From the chart options, select scatter plot. This will plot a scatter plot on your screen. This is fairly straightforward.

Here is a video showing google sheets scatter plot multiple series example.

Let’s see how the chart works when we have another variable list in column C.

Google sheets scatter plot multiple series examples – One X, two Y series

 As you see from the below data, we now have an additional column named “Benchmark return”.

Now we want to compare our stock’s return vs the market benchmark.

We have 1 X-series and 2 Y-series of data. Let’s plot them.

To plot, select all the data from A1 to C7 and click on Insert > Chart. This should bring up the scatter chart by default as google sheets will automatically know the best chart type based on the data type. 

If it does not bring the scatter plot then you can manually change the plot type to Scatter plot from the Chart options.

Here is how it will look:

As you can see, the stock return vs Benchmark return trend is visible. Looking at this plot, you can say that our stock has underperformed compared to the market benchmark.

You can add more Y-series and plot them in one chart. You can use the Chart options > Customize options to customize the labels and colors for each data series.

This is how you plot the scatter chart with 2 y-series data.

Google sheets scatter plot multiple series examples – Two X, two Y series

Now let’s see how to plot when we have 2 X-series data with 2 Y-series data.

Here is an example data:

Here we have 2 X-series data we need to show on X-axis.

In google sheets, you can not plot 2 independent variables on X-axis. 

So what do we do? We will combine the  X-series data into 1 and then we will plot the Y1 and Y2 series data.

Note that this will only work if the data type in X1 and X2 are related. And in most of the problems they are related, or else why would you plot them in the same chart. 

So We will rearrange the data in the table like this

Notice what I have done here. I have kept one label for the X series which is “Month” and added X2 data below X1.

Then to maintain the same relation between X2 vs Y2, I have placed data in Y2 in the same row as X2.

Now you can plot the scatter chart.

Select all the data from A1 to C13 and insert a scatter plot.

This will look like this:

As you can see here with a scatter plot we can see the stock return trends for both the stocks.

This is how you will create a scatter plot with multiple series in google sheets. 

FAQ – Google sheets scatter plot multiple series

Wrapping up

In this tutorial, we learned about google sheets scatter plot multiple series type of problems. Scatter plots are very much helpful in data visualization. It helps in figuring out the trend of data.

With Google sheets scatter plot multiple series guide, you can now understand the relation between them visually. Go ahead and try this on your own worksheet.

Appendix

Google sheets scatter plot multiple series additional resources.
[1] Scatter charts in google sheets – Link

Further Reading

New to google sheets ? Start here