Use a scatter plot
Use a scatter plot when every X/Y pair is an independent observation. Separate points make clusters, gaps, unusual observations, and possible relationships easier to see.
Scatter Plot Maker
Create a scatter plot online from paired numeric data. Paste values or upload CSV and Excel files, with no signup required.
- ✓ Free
- ✓ No signup
- ✓ No watermark
- ✓ Data stays in your browser
Graph editor
Loading your locally saved graph…
How to make a scatter plot
- 1
Add paired numeric data
Enter two or more numeric columns, paste a table, or upload CSV or Excel data.
- 2
Map X and Y
Choose the numeric column for each axis and confirm the detected headers above the preview.
- 3
Customize and export
Adjust titles, grid, and color, then download the scatter plot as PNG or SVG.
What is a scatter plot?
A scatter plot displays paired numeric observations as separate points on two value axes. The horizontal position comes from the X value and the vertical position comes from the Y value.
Because points are not connected, the chart emphasizes the overall pattern of the observations rather than a sequence between them. This makes it useful for spotting association, clusters, spread, and outliers.
Example scatter data
Each row represents one observation. The first numeric column maps to X and the second maps to Y.
| Hours Studied | Exam Score |
|---|---|
| 1 | 52 |
| 2 | 57 |
| 2.5 | 63 |
| 4 | 68 |
| 5 | 74 |
| 6.5 | 81 |
| 7 | 85 |
| 8 | 91 |
Scatter Plot vs XY Graph
Both charts use numeric axes and paired values, but they communicate different relationships between observations.
Use an XY graph
Use an XY graph when the order between X values matters and connecting consecutive points helps explain a path, measurement sequence, or changing response.
When to use a scatter plot
Scatter plots work best when each coordinate pair is a separate observation and you want to understand the overall pattern.
Compare two measurements
Explore how values such as height and weight vary together.
Inspect experiments
Plot an input against a measured response without implying a connected sequence.
Find clusters and outliers
See dense groups, gaps, and observations that sit away from the rest.
Scatter plot maker features
Explicit X/Y mapping
Choose which numeric columns appear on the horizontal and vertical axes.
Header-aware tooltips
Point tooltips use the actual column names from your data.
Many observations
Plot multiple coordinate pairs with adaptive point sizing for larger datasets.
Local processing
Pasted and uploaded data stays in your browser in V1.
CSV and Excel import
Upload CSV or XLSX files, or paste directly from a spreadsheet.
PNG and SVG export
Download a clean image for reports, slides, and assignments.
Related graph makers
Scatter plot maker FAQ
Answers to common questions about plotting paired observations.
Is the scatter plot maker free?
Yes. You can create and export a scatter plot for free without signing up or adding a watermark.
How do I choose the X and Y columns?
Use at least two numeric columns. Choose which column supplies X values and which supplies Y values in the mapping controls above the preview.
Can I import scatter data from Excel or CSV?
Yes. Paste a table or upload CSV and XLSX files. The editor maps valid numeric pairs and reports rows with missing or invalid values.
What is the difference between a scatter plot and an XY graph?
Scatter plots leave independent observations unconnected. XY graphs are useful when ordered points form a meaningful sequence or path.
Does this tool calculate a trendline or correlation?
Not yet. This page currently focuses on plotting and exporting paired observations without regression, trendlines, R², or correlation calculations.