How to Make Dot Plots in Excel? (Step by Step)

We have created one of the sample data item-wise sales numbers for five months; below is the same sample data. Next, we will create a dot plot for this Excel data. Follow the below steps:

Below is Item 3.

  • We must first enter numbers 1, 2, and 3 in the next columns of the data. For example, refer to the below image. Now, select the first two rows of the data and insert the column chart in Excel. After that, right-click on the chart and choose “Select Data.” We need to choose the “Edit” option in the below dialog box. We can see the existing values as our selected range. Next, delete these existing values and enter 0, 0, 0 for all three items. Click on the “OK.” We will have a blank chart like the below one. Again, right-click on the chart and choose “Select Data Source.” Then, click on the “Add” button in the below window. Select cell A1 for “Series name” and “Series values,” and enter “1” as the value in the below window. Click on the “OK.” We will have a chart like the one below. Now, right-click on the chart and choose “Change Chart Type.” In the below window, we must select “Combo.” For “Item 1”, choose “Scattered Chart” and click on the “OK.” We will have a chart like the one below with just a dot, a column bar replaced with just a dot. Next, right-click on the chart and choose “Select Data” again. Finally, select “Item 1” and click on “Edit” in the next window. Now, we can see below the options window. For “Series Name,” choose cell A1. For “Series X Values,” select the column which has number 1 (the one we have entered manually in step 1), and for “Series Y Values,” choose “Item 1” numbers. Click on the “OK.” Now we will have a dot plot chart for “Item 1”. We need to repeat the same process for the other two items, “Item 2” and “Item 3.” Below is Item 2.

Below is Item 2.

We will have a “Dot Plot” chart ready like the below one.

As we can see, instead of the traditional “Column Bar Chart,”  we have a “Dot Plot Chart.” 

Things to Remember

  • There is no built-in dot plot chart in Excel.We need a combination of the scattered chart to create a dot plot chart.We can increase the size of the dots in case required under the format data series section.IIf we need a horizontal dot plot chart, we need to insert a bar chart in excelInsert A Bar Chart In ExcelBar charts in excel are helpful in the representation of the single data on the horizontal bar, with categories displayed on the Y-axis and values on the X-axis. To create a bar chart, we need at least two independent and dependent variables.read more instead of the column chart.

This article has been a guide to Dot Plots in Excel. Here, we discuss how to make dot plots in Excel, examples, and a downloadable Excel template. You may learn more about Excel charts from the following articles: –

  • Excel PlotsBox Plot in ExcelScatter 3D Plot in Excel3D Plot in Excel