Create a Scatterplot in Tableau : Bijay Kumar

July 28, 2025 July 28, 2025

Create a Scatterplot in Tableau
by: Bijay Kumar
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### Summary of the Content The content discusses the use of scatter plots in Tableau to analyze sales data for a retail company. As a sales analyst, the author created a scatter plot to visualize the relationship between sales and profits across different product categories. The scatter plot revealed that while some products, like tables, had high sales, they were actually generating losses, whereas products like phones had both high sales and profits. The tutorial explains how to create a scatter plot in Tableau, detailing the steps to plot sales on the X-axis and profit on the Y-axis, while using different colors to represent regions and adding product categories for better analysis. It also introduces the concept of dual-axis scatter plots, allowing the comparison of multiple measures, such as sales, profit, and discounts, on the same graph. ### Key Details - **Purpose of Scatter Plots**: To visualize the relationship between two numerical measures (sales and profit). - **Data Points**: Each dot represents individual data points, helping identify patterns and correlations. - **Creating Scatter Plots**: Steps include dragging sales and profit to the respective axes, using color to represent regions, and adding details for better insights. - **Dual-Axis Scatter Plots**: Allows comparison of two sets of measures (e.g., sales and profit) and can visualize additional metrics like discounts. ### Additional Context Scatter plots are powerful tools in data visualization, particularly for identifying trends and relationships in complex datasets. Tableau, as a leading data visualization software, offers intuitive features that make it easier for analysts to create insightful visualizations without extensive coding knowledge. Understanding how to effectively use scatter plots can significantly enhance decision-making processes in sales and marketing strategies. ### Hashtags for SEO #Tableau #DataVisualization #ScatterPlot #SalesAnalysis #BusinessIntelligence #DataAnalytics #TableauTutorial #RetailAnalytics #ProfitAnalysis #DualAxisPlot

While working as a sales analyst for a retail company, I was analyzing the sales data to determine whether our high sales were generating high profits across different product categories.

To visualize this data, I created a Tableau scatter plot. In this, I plotted sales on the X-axis and Profit on the Y-axis, then added Sub-Category to the detail.

From the scatter plot, I noticed that some items, such as tables, had high sales but were actually showing a loss, while others, like Phones, had both high sales and profits. This helped in identifying which products are giving profit or loss in sales.

In this tutorial, I will explain what a Scatter plot is in Tableau and how we use the Scatter plot for data visualization.

What is a Scatter Plot in Tableau?

In Tableau, the Scatter plot is used to display the relationship between two numerical measures. In the Tableau scatter plot, dots represent individual data points, with the position of each dot determined by the values of the two measures on the x and y axes. Using these data points, we can identify patterns and correlations within the data.

Check out: Tableau Bubble Chart

Create a Scatter Plot in Tableau

In the scatter plot below, we will display the stats of the product category sales profit of various regions.

Connect with the data source and follow the steps below to create a scatter plot in Tableau.

Drag the dimensions Sales to the Columns and Profit to the Rows.

Here, we need to show the sales profit across the regions. For this, we will add the Region to the Color card in the Marks section.

To relate the sales of different categories in each region, add the Category to the details card.

In the Marks section, change the type from Automatic to Circle.

To show the categories on the data point of Sales, add the Sales to the Label card.

Here, when we hover the cursor over the data points, it will show the data of Category, Region, Profit, and Sales.

For example, when I go to the color assigned to the Central region (blue), it will show the sales and profit for that specific category.

To add the grid lines in the Scatter plot, right-click on the scatter plot and select Trend Lines > Show Trend Lines.

Compare data metrics using Tableau Scatter Plot

After this, you will see grid lines on the Scatter plot, connecting the data points.

Add Grid lines to Scatter plot in Tableau

This way, we can create a Scatter plot in Tableau by following the above steps.

Check out: Create Area Chart in Tableau

Create a Scatter Plot Using Dual Axis in Tableau

Let’s take another example, where we can compare two sets of measures on the same data point in the Tableau Scatter plot.

In this example, we will create a scatter plot to compare Sales and Profit, and also track the Discount on the same plot.

Connect the data with the Tableau superstore data and follow the steps below to create a Scatter plot using dual axes in Tableau.

Drag the Sales to Column and Profit to Rows.

Create a Dual axis Scatter plot in Tableau

In the Marks section, change the type to Circle. After this, drag the Region to the Color card and Category to the Detail card.

Drag the Discount to the Size card to visualize the effect of discounting. Here, the larger circle indicates a higher discount.

Display two data sets in Tableau Scatter Plot

Now, add the Quantity to the Rows; this will duplicate the Scatter plot chart to show profit and quantity.

Create Dual axis Scatter plot in Tableau

Click on the dropdown of the Quantity and select Dual Axis.

With this, you will see the data points of both Profit and Quantity in the same scatter plot.

To differentiate the data points of Profit and Quantity, we will change the type of Quantity axis.

Now, we can see and differentiate the data points of Quantity and Profit of the product category for each region.

With this Tableau Scatter plot, we can analyze the relationship between sales and profits, as well as identify which items are frequently discounted or ordered in high quantities, giving an analysis for multiple data values.

Check out: Create Radar Chart in Tableau

This way, we can create a Scatter plot in Tableau using the dual axis.

I hope you understand what a scatter plot is in Tableau and how to create and use Scatter plots, both regular and dual-axis versions. These data visualizations are helpful when we need to show patterns or correlations between two or more measures, like Sales, Profit, Quantity, or Discount.

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Create a Scatterplot in Tableau : Bijay Kumar

What is a Scatter Plot in Tableau?

Create a Scatter Plot in Tableau

Create a Scatter Plot Using Dual Axis in Tableau

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