Scatter Plot Maker
Paste or enter X and Y values to create a scatter plot instantly. Add point labels, a line of best fit, the regression equation, and R²—then download your chart as a PNG.
Create your scatter plot
1. Enter data
Use X,Y,Label columns. Commas, tabs, semicolons, and spaces are accepted.
| # | X | Y | Label (optional) | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 6 |
Preview
6 valid points
View accessible chart data
| Point | X | Y | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2.2 | A |
| 2 | 2 | 3.1 | B |
| 3 | 3 | 4.8 | C |
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 | D |
| 5 | 5 | 7.2 | E |
| 6 | 6 | 7.8 | F |
How to make a scatter plot
- Enter your data. Paste X and Y columns from Excel, Google Sheets, or a CSV file. You can also edit individual rows in the table.
- Label the chart. Add a descriptive title and say what each axis measures, including units where they matter.
- Choose the analysis. Turn on the line of best fit, regression equation, R² value, grid, or individual point labels.
- Export the result. Review the preview and accessible data table, then select Download PNG.
What is a scatter plot?
A scatter plot, also called a scatter graph or XY graph, displays pairs of numerical values as points. Each point has a horizontal X value and a vertical Y value. Plotting many pairs makes it easier to see whether two variables tend to change together, whether the relationship is weak or strong, and whether any observations sit far away from the rest.
For example, X might represent hours studied and Y might represent a test score. An upward pattern would suggest that higher study time is associated with higher scores. The chart shows association, however, not proof that one variable caused the other.
How to read a scatter plot
First look at the direction of the point cloud. A pattern rising from left to right is a positive association; a falling pattern is a negative association. If points do not form a clear direction, the variables may have little linear association. Next consider how tightly the points group around an imagined line. Tighter grouping usually indicates a stronger relationship.
Also check the scale and labels on both axes. A restricted range can make a pattern look stronger or weaker than it is. Look for clusters, curved patterns, gaps, and outliers before reducing the data to one summary number.
Line of best fit, regression equation, and R²
A line of best fit summarizes a roughly linear pattern. This tool calculates the ordinary least squares regression line, written as y = mx + b. The slope m estimates how much Y changes when X increases by one unit. The intercept b is the predicted Y value when X equals zero, although that interpretation may not be meaningful if zero lies outside the observed range.
R², or the coefficient of determination, ranges from 0 to 1 for this fitted model. A value near 1 means the line explains a large share of the observed variation in Y. A lower value means the straight line does not describe the points as closely. R² does not tell you whether the relationship is causal, whether a curved model would work better, or whether the data collection was sound.
When should you use a scatter plot?
Explore a relationship
Compare two numerical measurements, such as height and weight, price and demand, or temperature and energy use.
Find unusual observations
Spot points that are separated from the main cluster and may deserve investigation.
Check a linear model
See the raw pattern before relying on a correlation coefficient or regression result.
A scatter plot is not the best choice for comparing category totals or showing parts of a whole. Those questions are usually clearer with a bar, column, or pie chart. Time-series data may be easier to follow with a line graph, especially when the order between points matters.
Scatter plot maker FAQ
Can I make a scatter plot from a table?
Yes. Paste two columns from a spreadsheet or CSV file, or enter X and Y values in the editable table. An optional third column can contain point labels.
How is the line of best fit calculated?
The tool uses ordinary least squares linear regression. It finds the straight line that minimizes the sum of the squared vertical differences between the data points and the line.
What does R² mean on a scatter plot?
R² describes how much of the variation in Y is explained by the fitted linear relationship with X. Values closer to 1 indicate a stronger linear fit, but do not prove causation.
Is my data uploaded?
No. The data you enter is parsed, calculated, and drawn locally in your browser. ChartMaker does not send your chart values to a server.
Can I download the scatter plot?
Yes. Select Download PNG to save a high-resolution image of the current chart without a watermark or signup.