{"id":21487,"date":"2022-12-19T16:34:31","date_gmt":"2022-12-19T15:34:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/?p=21487"},"modified":"2023-04-05T12:27:10","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T10:27:10","slug":"bubble-charts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/bubble-charts\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide to Bubble Charts"},"content":{"rendered":"

A fundamental way of interpreting the stories hidden in data is by using data visualization. Using charts, plots, and graphs, data analysts can spot visual clues that they might otherwise overlook. From pie charts to heat maps and line graphs, there are many data visualization approaches. But one of our personal favorites is the humble <\/span>bubble chart<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

So what exactly is a bubble chart? And how would you go about creating one? In this post, we\u2019ll answer all your pressing questions. When you\u2019re finished reading you should be well-versed in the power of the bubble chart!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can use the clickable menu to jump to the section of your choosing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. What is a bubble chart?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  2. When to use a bubble chart<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  3. How to create a bubble chart in Excel<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Bubble chart best practices<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Alternatives to the bubble chart<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Next steps<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Ready to burst the bubble chart? Then let\u2019s go.<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. What is a bubble chart?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A bubble chart, or bubble plot, is a type of <\/span>data visualization<\/span><\/a> used by data analysts who want to plot three distinct variables. It is similar to a scatter plot, which plots two data points along two axes. On a scatter plot, the pattern of points reveals if there is any correlation between the values. We show this correlation using a line of best fit.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Meanwhile, on a bubble chart, the single points of the scatter plot are replaced by bubbles representing a third dimension of data, shown by each bubble\u2019s size. A smaller size means a smaller value, while a larger size means a greater one. Bubbles can also be labeled or color-coded, allowing us to categorize the values.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Scatter plot vs. bubble chart example<\/span><\/h3>\n

    To illustrate, the following image shows a real comparison of a scatter plot and a bubble chart:<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Source<\/strong>: mathisfun.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    This scatter plot shows temperature in degrees celsius on the horizontal x-axis against sales of a product in dollars on the vertical y-axis degrees. The correlation between warmer weather and increased sales is marked using a line of best fit.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Source:<\/b> mekkographics.com<\/span><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Meanwhile, this bubble chart plots the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of various automobiles against their horsepower. The size of the different bubbles shows how many units of each model the manufacturer has sold (using different colors and name labels to categorize the models).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Although this makes it look simple, you\u2019ll learn that, without care, bubble charts can easily be over complicated or used for the wrong type of data. If your bubble chart is too overcrowded, there might be a better type of visualization to use. We\u2019ll explore this further along in the article.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. When to use a bubble chart<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Now we understand what a bubble chart is, when might you use one?<\/span><\/p>\n

    As we\u2019ve established, the primary purpose of a bubble chart is to display and compare three dimensions of data simultaneously. The chart\u2019s x and y-axes represent two variables of the data (typically numeric), while the bubble\u2019s size represents a third variable (also numeric). However, having three data points doesn\u2019t automatically mean a bubble chart is the best solution. You\u2019ll have to learn to use your judgment here.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you want to compare the cost, efficiency, and emissions of different types of transportation, a bubble chart would be a good choice. Similarly, if you want to visualize the results of a survey with multiple questions or compare the heights, weights, and income of different groups of people\u2014a bubble chart could work well. However, if the third variable does not correlate well with the first two (or if there are many categories within your dataset), consider avoiding a bubble chart and choosing a simpler visualization in its place.<\/span><\/p>\n

    3. How to create a bubble chart in Excel<\/span><\/h2>\n

    If you\u2019re relatively new to data analytics<\/a> (in fact, even if you\u2019re not) one of the best ways to create a bubble chart is using <\/span>Microsoft Excel<\/span><\/a>. Excel has a bit of an unfair reputation for being complicated to use. But once you\u2019ve got to grips with it, it\u2019s a powerful data visualization and wrangling tool.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Excel comes with a ton of inbuilt functionality for creating charts and graphs that effectively visualize data. On top of that, it has many built-in formulas to automate complex calculations. Let\u2019s look at the steps you need to take to create a basic bubble chart in Excel.<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Get your data ready and open it in Excel<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Before you get started creating a bubble chart in Excel, you need a <\/span>clean dataset<\/span><\/a>. This should include at least three columns of numerical data, one for each axis of the chart; the horizontal x-axis, the vertical y-axis, and the z-axis (represented by the size of the bubbles) Import this data into Excel, making sure the columns of data, from left to right, are in the order that you want them on the final chart, i.e. \u2018x, y, z\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Select the data in the table that you want to use for your bubble chart<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Next, <\/span>select the data you want to use<\/b> for the bubble chart. If your dataset has more than three columns, select the three you want to represent in your bubble chart. Don\u2019t select column or row titles.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    3. Click the Insert tab > Charts Group > Scatter Charts<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Now, click on the<\/span> Insert <\/b>tab or ribbon. This might vary depending on whether you\u2019re using Microsoft 365 or an older version of Excel. Once you\u2019ve found the Insert tab, navigate to the bubble chart option under <\/span>Chart Groups > Scatter Charts<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Source: <\/b>Microsoft<\/span><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    This is how the image tab looks on Excel 365.<\/span><\/p>\n

    4. Select the “Bubble” chart type<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Next, <\/span>select the bubble chart type<\/b>. You\u2019ll find two options available: 2D or 3D. Depending on your version of Excel, you might have to click <\/span>OK<\/b>, or it might automatically generate the chart for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Either way, your chart should now appear in your worksheet. Sense check the chart, ensuring it accurately represents your data. As you can see, our chart matches our data table. However, it lacks detail, so we\u2019re not done yet!<\/span><\/p>\n

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    5. Customize your chart<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Once you\u2019ve generated your basic chart, there are several ways to customize it. In Microsoft 365, navigate to<\/span> Chart Tools<\/b>, look for the <\/span>Design<\/b> tab and then find the <\/span>Chart Styles <\/b>group<\/span> to choose the style of chart you want.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You can also edit the chart directly using the <\/span>Format<\/b> tab or by selecting individual elements of your chart and adjusting them as needed. This <\/span>comprehensive tutorial from Microsoft<\/span><\/a> explores all the elements you can customize on your bubble chart.<\/span><\/p>\n

    However, to illustrate the sorts of changes available here are some of the customizations we\u2019ve made to our chart:<\/span><\/p>\n